Before — Chapter 32

By morning, Grim is gone and Isla’s injuries have nearly healed. That night, Grim appears furious in Isla’s room, threatening to reclaim her starstick if she keeps portaling recklessly. He seizes her and brings her to a long hall in his palace, declaring it a training room and insisting on lessons immediately.

Grim explains her device is weak and unreliable near other portaling power, and that visualization governs distance and accuracy. Isla attempts short jumps but repeatedly overshoots—to the beach below his castle, the night market, his bedroom, and a throne room of shifting shadows. Grim’s palace seems largely restricted to him, underscoring his isolation. After focused guidance—eyes closed, mapping distances—Isla successfully portals into the intended training room.

Grim shifts to combat, conjuring Isla’s sword and attacking with blinding precision. He repeatedly “kills” her with controlled slashes that slice clothing and lightly nick her throat, emphasizing her weak defense. Isla briefly exploits an opening, nicking his shirt, but Grim floors her and warns that feigned openings are traps.

Through the night, Grim teaches ingenious techniques and unarmed tactics, pressing Isla to target vulnerabilities like the nose. Exhausted by dawn, Isla thanks him, recognizing he trains her because he needs her alive to find the sword. Before departing, Grim warns her not to die and notes a celebration on Creetan’s Crag in three days, signaling an urgent next step.