Contents
Before — Chapter 11
Overview
In a flashback, Grim infiltrates Isla’s room in Wildling newland and violently interrogates her about entering Nightshade. Isla injures him but is nearly strangled by his magic before he releases her. Their enmity hardens, confirming his power and suspicion before the Centennial and revealing a prior stabbing that bound their feud.
Summary
Isla, exhausted from etiquette and heeled-shoe training, begins undressing when a flickering shadow solidifies into Grim in her room. Realizing he has identified her as the Hearteater who previously stabbed him in Nightshade, Isla grabs a hidden dagger but is quickly overpowered.
Grim pins Isla against the greenhouse glass, twists her arm so her own blade cuts her neck, and then lifts her by an invisible choke. Between gasps, Isla stabs Grim’s thigh with a concealed spike, forcing him to drop her knife, but his magic grip tightens as he demands to know how she entered Nightshade and whether she meant to sabotage the Centennial.
Grim abruptly releases Isla. Shaken and bleeding, Isla calls him a monster. He laughs bitterly, accuses Wildlings of eating men’s hearts, and reveals a scar inches from his heart—the wound from Isla’s earlier attack in Nightshade—underscoring his grievance and survival.
Pressing closer, Grim coldly repeats his demand: how did Isla reach his realm so quickly. Isla refuses to answer, steadies herself, and thrusts her dagger under his chin, ordering him out. Before she can draw blood, Grim vanishes, leaving Isla trembling and newly aware he can disappear as if portaling, mirroring her own starstick’s ability.
Who Appears
- IslaWildling-aligned protagonist; attacked in her room, resists Grim, is choked by his magic, wounds his thigh, and forces his retreat.
- Grim (Grimshaw)Nightshade ruler; infiltrates Isla’s room, interrogates her, uses an invisible choke, reveals a near-heart scar, and vanishes.
- PoppyEtiquette trainer referenced; stresses the importance of appearances for the Centennial.
- TerraTrainer referenced; made Isla practice walking in heeled shoes.