Reflection

Reeling from the bonding rite, Isla recognizes the massive leopard as Lynx, once bonded to her mother. Wounded and exhausted, she portals Lynx into her room for treatment; Wren tends his injured leg with healing elixir. Through the night, Lynx keeps watch, his grief mirroring Isla’s unresolved feelings about her mother.

At dawn, Isla brings Oro to see Lynx. The leopard tolerates Oro’s touch more than Isla’s, underscoring Lynx’s choosing her out of duty rather than affection. Concerned about confining him on Lightlark, Isla offers Lynx a choice; he chooses to remain in the Wildling forest, and Isla accepts the separation.

Returning to the Mainland, Azul reports rebels were tracked to Star Isle before vanishing into underground tunnels. Ella confirms masked figures and explains the secret Starling crypt tunnels, built during the curses and used to bypass monsters now controlling Star Isle’s east. Isla realizes her neglect of the Starlings and immediately plans a visit, asking Ella to alert Maren.

Oro offers to accompany her, but Isla declines, choosing to arrive with Ciel and Avel rather than with a show of force. Azul reports no other attacks, deepening Isla’s suspicion about the rebels’ motives. Isla privately asks Ella how Starlings view her; Ella reassures her that most see Isla as a savior who gave them hope and life.

Resolved to act as ruler of both Wildling and Starling, Isla prepares to leave—only to glimpse Grim, armored for war, in her mirror. She attacks the apparition with Wildling power, but the room is empty, leaving her unsettled and wary of illusions or returning threats.