Chapter Thirty-Four

Roused by a sky lit in burning red, Poppy and Casteel leave their interrupted conversation to investigate from the Rise with Emil, Kieran, Jasper, Alastir, and a Guardian named Nova. The glow appears far to the west, acrid on the wind. Casteel orders calm while Delano and Dante scout.

Through a tense night and into dawn, the fire’s glow persists and the smell of smoke thickens. On the wall, Jasper introduces himself to Poppy, discusses old memories of burned towns, and lightly confirms he is to officiate her and Casteel’s unexpected wedding. He reveals skepticism that marriage to a wolven would ever solve unrest and hints that such expectations likely came from whispers—possibly Alastir’s influence.

Jasper also questions Poppy’s supposed empath lineage, noting that few empaths can heal and none he knew glowed like moonlight. This unsettles Poppy. Casteel joins her; they share quiet intimacy and practical care as they keep watch. Casteel suggests Jasper’s intuition comes from a diluted Seer ancestry, confirms Alastir likely pushed the idea of Casteel marrying Gianna, and affirms he and Poppy will stand together.

At a signal from the fields, the gates open. Delano, alone and bleeding from a deep puncture, collapses inside the walls. Poppy channels her power; her hands glow silver as she draws out Delano’s pain and seals the wound. Delano shifts back to mortal form, the injury reduced to scar-pink skin.

As Casteel presses for answers, Delano delivers the warning: the Ascended are coming, explaining the fiery omen and setting immediate stakes for Spessa’s End.