Contents
Before — Chapter 57
Overview
Grim arrives after weeks apart and reveals a newly opened scar threatening hundreds in a supposedly safe area. He confesses his love to Isla, then steals her starstick and disappears so she cannot follow. The scene clarifies Grim’s desperation and protective motives, foreshadowing solitary, high-risk choices that drive the conflict.
Summary
After training, Isla finds Grim waiting in her room for the first time since his betrayal. Though still hurt, Isla senses urgency as Grim studies her, and her starstick heats, warning that something is wrong.
Grim reveals that the scar has opened in a previously safe region, endangering hundreds. He speaks with finality, confessing that Isla transformed his world and vowing their bond is infinite, which makes Isla fear he is saying goodbye.
Isla insists on helping and begs to go with him, proposing they try the sword together. Grim relents verbally, seeming to agree.
He kisses Isla—rough, then gentle—and, in the moment, slides a hand down her spine to take the starstick. Before Isla realizes it, Grim vanishes with the starstick, preventing her from following and leaving to face the crisis alone.
Who Appears
- IslaHurt by Grim’s betrayal yet concerned; insists on helping, but is left behind when her starstick is stolen.
- GrimWarns of a new scar endangering hundreds, professes love to Isla, then steals her starstick and departs alone.