Chapter 8

The chapter shifts to Trystan’s perspective as the Malevolent Guard launches Evie’s ambush inside the ballroom. The hidden women attack the king’s knights with the ruthless efficiency Trystan trained into them, while nobles and servants scatter through the sudden chaos. Trystan, still bound on the dais, focuses on one fact above everything else: Evie is alive.

Trystan spots Evie stumbling through the bodies and wreckage, and relief overwhelms his anger. Arthur notices Trystan’s reaction and begins to question what Evie means to him, but the moment is interrupted by a hooded woman who reveals herself as Clarissa, Trystan’s younger sister. Though Arthur protests her presence, Clarissa explains that she is there as the operation’s locksmith, carrying orange ink capable of dissolving the magic-sapping bonds.

When two Valiant Guards threaten Clarissa, Tatianna intervenes with a theatrical threat to liquify their bones. The guards hesitate, then flee, unaware that Tatianna cannot actually do what she claimed. Clarissa dissolves Arthur’s restraints first and then Trystan’s, restoring Trystan’s freedom without injuring him.

Once Trystan’s cuffs fall away, his magic returns in a powerful rush after being suppressed. Trystan’s mist spreads through the ballroom, showing him the vulnerable points of every living body, but he cares only about finding Evie. Tatianna locates her and reacts with alarm.

Trystan sees Evie at the wall holding a rope that runs up to the crystal chandelier. Evie looks directly at Trystan, raises her gold-inked pinkie in a mock salute, and smiles. When Clarissa wonders whether Evie would really pull it, Trystan answers that Evie absolutely would—and Evie does.