Chapter Thirty-One

Lore, Gabe, and several Presque Mort view Amelia Demonde’s mangled body in Bastian’s solar. Bastian appears alert and regal—signaling Apollius’s daytime control—coldly ordering an immediate, private autopsy. During the procedure, the physician finds a heart distorted by extreme exertion and saltwater in the lungs, suggesting a rapid internal drowning inconsistent with the fresh water pooled on the floor.

While Apollius’s gaze taunts Lore, subtle water manipulation betrays His culpability. The group withdraws to a confessional, where Lore, Gabe, Malcolm, and Alie conclude Apollius killed Amelia using Spiritum and water, implying He seized Caeliar’s power. They debate consequences: public accusation would equate to accusing the King, risking chaos and Jax’s advance; a regency seems unlikely.

Lore wonders if Amelia, once loyal to Apollius and positioned as a rival to Lore, might have offered herself if she knew she carried Caeliar. Alie proposes raising Amelia to ask directly. Lore agrees, seeking both truth and a path to protect Bastian from Apollius, potentially by removing him from the Citadel’s reach.

Believing Apollius ordered Amelia kept “close,” Gabe infers she’s been placed in the catacombs—fitting Nyxara’s earlier summons to “Find Me.” With surveillance tightening after dawn, Gabe creates a distraction by igniting the confessional curtain. Amid the smoke, Malcolm escorts Alie to the Citadel, while Gabe leads Lore through back corridors toward the catacombs to locate and raise Amelia.