Chapter 86

From a cell beneath a blazing arena, Kaan watches razah beasts slaughter captives, the carnage reminding him of Kyzari and what he stands to lose. Drugged with Sereme’s cold-inducing doses, he fortifies a mental wall of "scales" to block Rygun, fearing the dragon would attempt a lethal southern rescue if he senses danger.

Arkyn arrives, scarred and crowned, and muses over razah lore while the crowd bays. A new gate rises and Raeve enters the arena as the celebrated "Fire Lark," moving with predatory grace, black-eyed and trailed by white flame like torn wings. Arkyn fixates on her "heritage" and asserts she must be broken.

Arkyn taunts Kaan, slashing shallow cuts to savor his power and revealing the plan: Kaan will die publicly for "war crimes" to secure northern support. Guards armor Kaan but leave his face bare for recognition. Arkyn demands a spectacle—Kaan must fight Raeve—promising mercy for Kyzari and Veya only after he is satisfied and signals from his balcony.

To bind Kaan to compliance, Arkyn thrusts a thin blade between Kaan’s ribs, puncturing his right lung. Kaan, choking on blood and pain, agrees to the terms to protect Kyzari and Veya. He glimpses Raeve watching him through smoke, her black eyes hinting Slátra’s hold or protection.

Before departing, Arkyn hungrily asks how killing Pah felt; Kaan admits it was not as good as hoped, denying Arkyn the catharsis he craves. As Arkyn leaves, Kaan is readied to enter the pit, resigned that Raeve may be forced to execute him, believing this will destroy them both even as he clings to saving their family.