Chapter 8: Baz

Baz meets Emory in the Decrescens library to begin cautious training, joking poorly before turning serious about Eclipse dangers. He explains Collapsing, the Shadow’s curse, and the Unhallowed Seal, recalling his father’s fate. Emory mentions a recent student’s Collapse, prompting Baz’s grief-tinged memories of Kai’s final visit to his dream after Romie’s funeral.

As they debate whether Dovermere warped Emory’s magic, Baz withholds Romie’s note, suspecting larger secrets. To resolve Emory’s doubts about her nature, they retrieve an old selenograph. Guided by Emory, Baz draws her blood and runs the test.

The device’s hand lands on the Solar Eclipse sector, confirming Emory is Eclipse-born and likely a unique Tidecaller whose power absorbed other lunar magics. They discuss the rarity and unpredictability of Eclipse abilities and why control and measured release—through small magic or bloodletting—are vital.

Exploring how her magic might favor New Moon abilities during the current phase, Emory attempts to summon darkness. The shadows swell through the alcove until Baz freezes time and unwinds the effect, warning that any Eclipse use can spiral toward Collapse or exposure.

Chastened, Emory agrees to start with theory. Baz assigns An Introduction to Alignments to ground her in all houses’ magics. While outwardly firm, Baz privately keeps Romie’s note to himself and sits with fresh grief for Kai, resolving to prioritize control and secrecy as Emory’s training begins.