Illusion

Before Copia, Isla and Oro share a tender, teasing moment as they admire her flower-woven dress and the golden rose necklace she kept. Isla feels grounded by Oro’s patience and love, finding a sense of home and peace she had lacked.

At the Mainland gardens, Isla’s floral creations transform the venue. She seats islanders and newlanders together to encourage unity, and Cleo’s unexpected attendance signals a tentative opening. Isla speaks about growth and change, expressing hope for the Wildlings’ return to Wild Isle.

To showcase her power, Isla plants a rare seed from the newlands; a mature tree erupts within seconds, followed by arches of vines, thorns, and roses. The display stuns guests and eases tensions as conversations warm.

Without warning, all sound vanishes, candles gutter, and Isla’s tree withers to ash as darkness devours the garden. Shadows rake the island in apocalyptic sweeps, and Isla finds her power extinguished, unable to respond.

Isla realizes it is an illusion, recalling Grim’s Centennial display. Grim then speaks telepathically to everyone, declaring this a warning and promising to destroy Lightlark in thirty days unless they flee to the newlands or join him.

The illusion breaks, leaving the celebration intact but the guests panicked. The night meant to unite realms and affirm Isla’s power ends with fear and a stark deadline, resetting the stakes against Grim’s imminent threat.