Chapter 53

Raeve and her companions trek silently through the oppressive Harthor forest toward Bhoggith’s Moltenmaw nests, masking scent and sound per Kaan’s orders. Overhead, Moltenmaws scour the sky while Raeve notices Líri’s dimmed form shadowing them from the canopy. Raeve chooses to let Líri follow, hoping the dragon remains discreet.

Near the nesting grounds’ fringe, Raeve suffers stabbing waves of pain from Sereme’s blood bind, nearly collapsing. She steels herself, determined not to be driven back to Sereme, and focuses on the mission as the team edges closer to the marsh pocked with nest mounds guarded by vigilant Moltenmaws.

Surveying the bustling bog, they decide the moonshard cannot be approached until the aurora, when dams will stir. As Raeve battles another spasm, Líri’s concern presses at their bond, which Raeve calms to prevent rash action. Kaan leads them to a concealed tree base where Roan reveals runes and opens a hidden doorway.

Inside the hollow tree, Kaan lights the stairwell and orders rest and cleanup while they wait for night’s rise. He emphasizes that this is a stealth mission, not a hunt, and that they will avoid confrontation amid enemy territory. Raeve quietly sharpens blades regardless, preparing for worst‑case outcomes.

Roan sets to work finishing an invention to locate the gifted boy in Bhoggith, while Kaan schedules rest until the aurora. Pyrok probes Raeve’s strained behavior, but she deflects. Privately, Raeve channels her fury at Sereme, resolving to harden herself with Bulder’s language to resist the blood bind and be ready for the coming theft.