Contents
Rising Up
Overview
Masked multi-realm rebels abduct Isla via the sea, but an uncontrolled surge of her power explodes outward, killing and injuring captors and enabling her escape. Oro responds with a ruthless crackdown and assigns Skyling bodyguards. Shaken, Isla resolves to train and control her powers, while Oro proposes a difficult, ominous method.
Summary
In the middle of the night, ocean water bursts through Isla’s balcony, dragging her into submerged tunnels where masked captors—Moonling, Skyling, and Sunling—hold her. When a rebel touches Isla, her latent power detonates outward, shattering restraints, hurling attackers into stone, and killing at least one. Isla flees through dark passages to an abandoned shop in the agora.
A Sunling guard covers Isla with his cloak as alarms rise and Oro is summoned. Oro’s fury shakes the island; searches uncover extensive secret tunnels, but the rebels vanish. In the throne room, Oro declares treason, threatens execution in the Bay of Teeth, and demands respect for Wildlings.
Azul presents Avel and Ciel—Sky Isle twin warriors—who swear themselves to Isla’s protection. After they withdraw, Isla and Oro share a raw, intimate moment; he vows to find the assailants, and she reassures him she survived.
Confronting her power’s volatility—useless during the drek attack but lethal underground—Isla asks to begin training so her abilities stop controlling her. Oro agrees, then admits he has a strategy to untangle her powers, warning Isla she will not like it.
Who Appears
- IslaWildling ruler abducted by masked rebels; an uncontrolled power surge frees her. Resolves to train and master her abilities.
- OroLightlark’s king; rages at Isla’s abduction, declares treason, launches searches, and vows to find the culprits. Proposes a hard training plan.
- AzulSupports Oro and introduces Skyling twins Avel and Ciel as guards for Isla.
- AvelSkyling warrior; twin to Ciel. Volunteers as Isla’s bodyguard and swears service.
- CielSkyling warrior; twin to Avel. Joins Isla’s protection, pledging loyalty.
- SorenPresent in the tense throne room proceedings; observes Isla but leaves without speaking.