Chapter 5

Regan escapes into the freezing night after her first day as headmistress, struggling to breathe and reeling from Viktor’s control and assault. She fixates on her failure to execute a blightborn woman, recalling how Viktor stepped in to kill the servant when Regan could not summon thrallweave. The memory underscores her shame, bruises, and isolation.

On the cliffside terrace, Regan spots a massive white wolf. Before her eyes, the wolf transforms into Kage Tanaka, who dresses and then, alerted by her gasp, closes the distance with predatory speed. Expecting death, Regan stands her ground. Kage notes she “wasn’t supposed to see” and that most people run; she replies she’s not most people, daring him to choose the simplest solution—kill her to protect his secret.

Kage refuses to kill her, observing he knows the difference “between a monster and the one wearing its chains,” implicitly separating Viktor from Regan. Reading her fatigue and seeing her bruises, he is controlled but resolute. Regan, equally trapped, decides not to expose Kage to Viktor, a small act of defiance driven by revulsion toward her abuser and curiosity about Kage’s steadiness.

Kage demands secrecy; Regan agrees. They exchange a Blood Vow, sealing her silence about his shapeshifting. The vow jolts through her, unsettling her further, yet it remains hidden from Viktor. Before leaving, Kage warns her the sea holds no answers. Regan lingers in the snow, recognizing she has taken an unanticipated step—choosing a clandestine bond with the enemy over obedience to Viktor.