Chapter 41

Raeve wakes by the spring, remembering the night of intense lovemaking with Kaan. She watches him tending a fire and roasting meat, appreciating his care and small acts, like washing and folding her clothes. Their playful exchange reveals Kaan’s steadfast devotion and his refusal to be with anyone else during their years apart.

Kaan explains the Johkull custom of an uhloo, a braid freely given to signify commitment, paralleling Raeve wearing his málmr. Raeve is tempted by him but asserts anyone challenging their bond will meet her blade. They settle into quiet as Raeve checks her connection to Líri, declaring the bond even firmer than before sleep.

Raeve admits she nearly let herself dissolve entirely into the dragon-bond; Kaan relates, saying he stayed tethered by thoughts of Mah. Kaan then presses Raeve about her fear of fire. Raeve tries to harden herself, claiming she could walk through flames, but finally admits fire “forged” her into a monster and represents needless pain.

When Kaan demands a name behind her trauma, Raeve refuses to exhume the past, asking him to leave it buried for both their sakes. She seeks closeness instead, sitting on his lap and kissing him, reaffirming that their present matters more than old wounds.

The moment is cut short as a parchment lark delivers a message. Kaan reads it, stiffens, and announces that Siharna has gone into labor. The chapter ends with urgency as they prepare to leave immediately.