Split

Isla wakes beside Oro wracked by revived memories that feel like betrayal. Unable to reconcile past and present, she seeks midnight solace, portaling to Wild Isle to practice Wildling defenses and bog sand. Back in her room, she rages at Grim’s hidden necklace, attempting blade, power, fire, and shadow to remove it—none of which work.

On Sky Isle, with thirteen days left, the Skylings debate leaving Lightlark. Oro argues that fleeing won’t save them and that Lightlark’s destruction would doom all realms. Sensing his speech won’t sway the vote, Isla promises to institute Starling democracy after the war and to step down if another is chosen, appealing to Skyling values and the future they might defend.

While votes are cast, Isla, Enya, and Calder review preparations: Enya coordinates evacuations to Skyling and Starling newlands; Calder reports daily visits to the Vinderland and that the flower cure still fails. Hours drag in silence.

Oro returns with results: Skylings forbid Azul from fighting, a major loss, but a hundred fliers will stay if Isla commits to democracy. Zed lashes out at Azul for honoring the vote, while Isla struggles not to condemn him for serving his people. The compromise feels insufficient against looming war.

Later, Isla retreats to the Wildling newland and unleashes her shadows in anger until another memory overtakes her, underscoring how the past is fracturing her as crucial allies dwindle and time runs short.