Before — Chapter 51

At a dragon’s cave, Grim distracts the beast while Isla sprints through layered traps toward a hoard containing the cursed sword. She survives arrows, boulders, ice, spikes, and gale-force wind, reaching for the blade just as the dragon unleashes fire.

Grim blankets Isla in shadows to save her, and the sword vanishes the instant the flames clear. Back at Isla’s castle, Grim admits he no longer wants the sword, calling its cost too high, and promises to shield Nightshade with his own power and to secretly aid her at the Centennial.

They trade intimate observations to rehearse their coming deception as strangers. Grim reveals he has long known Isla bears no curse and has never wielded power; instead of exploiting it, he reassures her nothing is wrong with her. Their trust culminates in them becoming lovers, cementing an emotional bond.

In the days that follow, their connection deepens. Grim calls Isla his “nightbane,” and they indulge in private tenderness despite obligations, affirming exclusivity and restraint against duty.

Isla then returns to the cave alone, finds a black-scaled dragon hatchling apparently abandoned, and brings it to Grim. After protest, he relents and keeps the hatchling, and the chapter ends in domestic warmth as the creature starts sleeping in his bed, to Isla’s delight.