Chapter 15

Water recedes in the tunnel as Raeve, bleeding from eyes, nose, ears, and a cheek gash, pins Kaan with his own dragonscale blade. Kaan keeps calm, passes Raeve a bloody key and Roan’s spectacles, and orders Pyrok to escort and unshackle Roan discreetly to avoid exposure in the Citadel.

While Pyrok helps Roan upstairs, Kaan and Raeve trade tense barbs and palpable desire. Kaan studies her injuries and recognizes lingering bloodlust not sated by battle. Raeve confirms she killed Rekk and left his body in the drained lake, but her agitation persists, suggesting the bloodlust is tethered elsewhere.

Kaan admits he shattered the pier with Rygun’s aid to create their escape, risking exposure to the dragon’s volatile power. He probes Raeve about hearing the Creators and speaking with Rayne; Raeve shuts it down, vowing never again, and says Utris is accounted for.

On Kaan’s lark, Raeve agrees to see out the moonfalls at his mother’s retreat on the condition he is there too, a tacit sign she cares and a bid to keep him alive. Their mutual frustration surfaces as each condemns the other’s risks—her baiting herself, his rowing toward an anthe—while their attraction simmers.

Pyrok calls down that a new problem is developing above. Determined to ensure Raeve survives, Kaan insists she ascend first. After a brief standoff, Raeve relents and leads up the stairs, while Kaan follows, bracing for whatever threat awaits.