Before — Chapter 9

Isla arrives by accident in Nightshade territory after a mis-aimed portal fails to reform, leaving her trapped and pursued by guards in a fortified palace. Fearing discovery and death so close to the Centennial, she ducks into a side room where a stern handler mistakes her for part of a presentation and outfits her to blend in.

Joined with a line of similarly dressed women, Isla learns they hope to be chosen for the “ruling line.” When King Grimshaw enters, he signals her out. Believing Isla volunteered, the handler delivers her to him, and he leads her to a dark chamber.

Confronted by the feared Nightshade ruler, Isla braces for violence, but Grimshaw instead asks consent and kisses her. Drawn by first-time desire and danger, Isla reciprocates, momentarily forgetting her mission and the mortal stakes.

Sense returns as Grimshaw presses closer; recalling he is her enemy and fearing imminent harm if he learns her identity, Isla acts preemptively. She draws her thigh-dagger and stabs Grimshaw in the chest.

Without hesitating to see the damage, Isla flees the room. Her starstick reactivates at last; she casts a puddle of stars and portals away, leaving behind a wounded king and a secret that will shadow their future.