Chapter Twenty

Lore begins the summer progress at Maison de Lune, noting its overt moon iconography while worrying about the gods in their heads. Lady Leclaire discreetly shows fresh scars from the ship explosion, thanking Lore for saving her. Bastian seems exhilarated by the lunar décor, then looks lost when separated from Lore.

That night, a planned costume ball is abruptly changed to an astronomy party—clearly Bastian’s doing. Dressed in moonlit white, Lore confronts Bastian about his bandaged hand. After nobles depart, he presses close to mask their talk and confesses he tried to speak but Apollius hears everything and punishes him—his hand through a window—begging for time. He leaves before they can plan.

The progress continues to the Allairs, where a costume ball forces Lore and Bastian to perform their roles while remaining emotionally distant. Lore pleads with Nyxara for a solution and is told none exists; Nyxara offers no further help. Questions about the Kirytheans are deflected by Bastian, maintaining public calm while private pressure mounts.

At the Demonde estate, Amelia greets them with brittle politeness. Bastian orders separate rooms, shows brief regret, then hardens again. In the garden, he tries to buy a moment to talk but warns Apollius is returning, golden magic gathering as he urges Lore to leave.

Fleeing into a hedge maze on the verge of tears, Lore hears someone sobbing and finds Amelia alone, crown askew. Their barbed history fades into mutual weariness; they sit together without explanations. The uneasy peace underscores Lore’s growing isolation and the tightening control of Apollius over Bastian.