Chapter 19

The sky-born monster appears fully in the hidden dandelion oasis just as Trystan is trying to regain control after nearly kissing Evie. Trystan welcomes the immediate danger as a distraction from his desire, but the creature’s power quickly becomes clear when its voice and fists shake the oasis.

The creature demands to know who has disturbed it. Evie responds by loudly announcing her name, then steps around Trystan despite his warning. Trystan realizes his magic is useless in this place, leaving him unable to protect Evie if the creature attacks.

Instead of attacking, the creature responds to Evie’s politeness. Evie asks its name, shakes its enormous finger, and learns that it has no name because, as part of the world, natural law forbids it from taking one. The creature explains that the gods, whom it calls the architects and creators, shaped the world and all living things through their sacrifices.

Evie flatters the creature by praising the world, especially the trees, and the creature reveals that trees were its idea. Trystan, bewildered by Evie’s success at charming a legendary monster, reluctantly thanks it after Evie prompts him, though the creature openly dislikes him.

Trystan ends the exchange by stating their purpose: they need a vial of stardust to find someone lost and help fulfill Rennedawn’s Story. The creature shocks him by addressing him as Trystan Maverine and saying, “It took you long enough,” revealing that it expected him and knows far more about his quest than he does.