Chapter One

At a banquet among Atlantians and wolven, Casteel lifts Poppy’s hand and announces they will return to Atlantia to marry, stating Atlantian marriages must occur on home soil. Poppy, still reeling from Casteel’s deceptions and captivity, rejects the idea and quietly arms herself with a meat knife.

Tension rises as allies react. Elijah jokes but pledges support to Casteel. Landell presses the larger strategy, arguing they came to Solis to free Prince Malik and that Poppy, as the Maiden and the Queen’s favorite, could be leveraged. The room recalls recent losses infiltrating Carsodonia’s Temples and the punishment of those who harmed Poppy.

Landell escalates, claiming the wolven and Atlantia would never accept Poppy, deriding her ties to the Ascended and her refusal to choose Casteel. Casteel counters that his choice is what matters. When Landell insults Poppy and then threatens to see her dead, Casteel moves with supernatural speed.

Casteel pins Landell to the wall, declares he might overlook dissent but not threats against Poppy, and kills Landell by tearing out his heart in front of all. He turns back to the table, bloodied, and challenges anyone else to object, establishing his authority and his resolve to protect Poppy as they prepare to go home.