The Drowned Gods, #1
Curious Tides
by Pascale Lacelle
Contents
Chapter 19: Emory
Overview
Emory joins the Selenics at the river to test a summons, where she channels Lightkeeper wards, shares power through synths, and discovers she can amplify others’ magic. The rite imprints a luminous Selenic Mark on the water, bolstering their hope. Emory and Keiran’s bond deepens into a charged kiss before duty interrupts. That night, Emory dreams of Romie trapped in the Deep, takes it as a true message, and decides to act—without going alone.
Summary
Walking to the river, Keiran probes Emory about her connection to Baz. Emory deflects to protect Baz and her secret, and Keiran insists her Tidecaller identity remain hidden. Mutual attraction simmers as they reach the Selenics’ equinox gathering.
Lizaveta inks everyone with synths blending Waxing and Full Moon magics. In a circle by moon phase, they honor the old cycle and pour power into the river, aiming to send a first call to the Tides. The synths link their sensations; Emory feels others’ breaths, shocks of cold, and auras.
Underwater, Keiran draws moonlight like a Lightkeeper and passes it to others. Emory mirrors him, discovering she can channel Lightkeeper wards and transfer light to Nisha and Virgil. Urged by Virgil, she pulls amplification through Lizaveta and realizes she may access any lunar magic. Threads of gold, silver, and indigo surge between them and erupt to the surface, etching a glowing Selenic spiral on the river. Emory wills the Tides to hear, fearless despite Baz’s past warnings.
Afterward, by the fire, Keiran praises Emory. They slip away, share an intense kiss beneath the cloisters, and nearly continue before Keiran is summoned by Artem. Keiran promises there will be time, leaving Emory flushed with hope.
That night, Emory dreams of Dovermere: a living cavern, a shattered silver hourglass, and a door of sand and darkness that feels like the sea’s embrace. Romie appears, choked by water and shadows, a silver spiral on her hand, as nightmares erupt. A commanding voice tells Emory to wake. She rises to a storm and the scent of brine, convinced the dream was a true message about Romie and determines to go seek answers—not alone.
Who Appears
- Emory AinsleifTidecaller protagonist; channels Lightkeeper wards, amplifies group magic, strengthens bond with Keiran, and dreams Romie pleading from the Deep.
- KeiranSelenic leader; orchestrates river rite, shares light with others, grows romantically closer to Emory, then leaves at Artem’s summons.
- LizavetaSelenic who inks synths and later receives light from Keiran; her magic helps Emory amplify the group.
- NishaEmory’s friend; participates eagerly, receives light transfer from Emory, helps keep group’s spirits high.
- VirgilSelenic of Waning Moon; asks Emory for power and cues her to draw amplification to boost everyone.
- LouisHealer; receives Keiran’s light underwater, experiencing awe as the shared magic brightens him.
- IfeNew Moon Selenic; honored in the rite and receives Keiran’s light transfer.
- JavierFull Moon Selenic; part of the ritual circle and luminous surge to the river’s surface.
- RomieMissing friend; appears in Emory’s dream, seemingly trapped in the Deep with a silver spiral, urging rescue.
- ArtemOff-page Selenic contact; interrupts by calling Keiran for a report on the summons.