Reunion

At midnight, Isla summons Grim with her necklace to confront him about abducting the Wildlings. Grim arrives overjoyed but falters when he senses their bond is one-sided. Isla accuses him of coercion; Grim insists the Wildlings chose to come, reveals he took in Poppy and Terra, and admits erasing some Wildlings’ crippling guilt by request. He also confirms he wields the cursed sword but denies calling the dreks.

Grim claims he warned Lightlark and that no one must die if they join or leave, asserting he could seize the island now that the curses are gone. Isla pleads for peace; Grim says he invades because he cares for her, then vanishes, leaving Isla determined to stop him.

Isla goes to Remlar and asks to learn a treacherous technique: cutting off a lover’s power through their bond. She then gathers the leaders and admits she summoned Grim. Amid accusations of treason, Isla proposes using the bond to strip Grim’s power long enough to overpower him, potentially sparing Nightshades if all power transfers.

Oro warns the attempt is risky; if she fails instantly, Grim will flee. Azul asks if Isla can kill Grim. Remembering visions of slaughter and her own death, Isla accepts the cost and commits. Oro prioritizes her safety, but Isla insists.

Remlar trains Isla to seize the bond’s thread and pinch off Grim’s power, warning it will be painful and difficult given Grim’s skill. With two days left and sensing Grim needs something on Lightlark, Isla asks Remlar to accelerate her memories despite the danger.

As Remlar brews potent tea, they discuss power and his ancient, Nightshade-like nature. Isla drinks; memories surge, the present blurs, and the last word she hears from Remlar is “Home,” as her mind is pulled into the past.