Chapter 24

At the ball, Kage and Florence perform a formal waltz devoid of warmth, confirming their lack of romantic connection. Kage asks Florence to step outside and, clearly burdened, proposes ending their engagement. Florence agrees with relief. Kage promises House Avari’s continued protection against Viktor despite dissolving the betrothal.

Inside, Florence confides in Medra, who is unsurprised and supportive. They plan to slip away to avoid the fallout as Kage goes to inform Lady Avari. Florence detours to the library to check a citation and then heads back alone, breaking curfew.

In a quiet corridor, Florence hears Neville’s frantic yips and discovers Bloodguard Brocklin—veins blackened, eyes clouded—holding the fluffin aloft. Regan arrives, initially assuming misconduct, then recognizes Brocklin’s abnormal state. When Brocklin tightens his grip on Neville, Regan attacks with a stiletto heel, impaling his wrist and freeing Neville. She follows with a brutal strike under his jaw.

Nyxaris tears through the ceiling, preparing to strike. As heat builds, Regan hurls Brocklin toward old armor. Nyxaris unleashes a brief cone of fire, reducing Brocklin to ash and melting steel. Regan staggers, bleeding from a scalp wound and admits Brocklin tried to bite her, raising the threat of infection.

Kage arrives at speed, catches Regan, and orders Florence to report. Assessing the danger, he directs them to Avari Tower’s infirmary, noting a pervasive wrongness in the castle. Nyxaris shadows them from above as they withdraw, with Neville safe in Florence’s arms and urgent questions looming about the infection’s spread.