Chapter Twenty-Four

Over breakfast, Poppy avoids probing Kieran’s claim that she and Casteel might be heartmates, focusing instead on Casteel’s need to feed. She decides that, to maintain their engagement ruse and avoid suspicion, she must offer herself. Quentyn and Kieran discuss the Skotos Mountains’ mist—a god-tied, alarm-like magic that forces travelers into small groups—while departure timing is set to reach the range by the next afternoon.

As more Atlantians enter, Poppy senses their distrust. She questions Kieran about Casteel’s whereabouts and fears he may be losing control, but Kieran reassures her. When Poppy asks if Casteel would have let her go had she refused marriage, Kieran confirms he would, though not truly freeing her from him—prompting Poppy to realize Casteel drew a personal line at using her, proving his care.

Accepting that truth, Poppy commits to being Casteel’s source of blood. Later, Alastir visits, confirming Casteel’s morning state and checking on Poppy. He reveals Casteel’s plan to resettle and fortify Spessa’s End, moving hundreds there—a critical strategy Poppy hadn’t been told, which stirs questions of trust and secrecy.

Alastir then broaches Atlantian customs, warning that Casteel may need to feed, and introduces the archaic Joining: a rarely practiced, intimate blood exchange among a bonded elemental, their partner, and a wolven. He explains it could bind protection and tie Poppy’s lifespan to the wolven and elemental, addressing mortality differences. Shocked, Poppy realizes why Casteel never raised it and concludes he doesn’t intend their marriage to be permanent.