Chapter 25: Emory

Emory and Baz arrive at the Institute, Emory straining Tidecaller-borrowed Illusion magic to disguise Baz’s Eclipse sigil as New Moon. They pass inspection, but Emory must drop the illusion from exhaustion once inside. An attendant leads them to a courtyard where Kai reads under watch.

Kai immediately recognizes Baz, and Emory recognizes Kai’s voice from her equinox dream. Though sealed with an Unhallowed brand and cuffs, Kai hints he has appeared in others’ nightmares. Baz admits he saw Kai after a prior visit, the same night the Regulators performed a disturbing procedure on an Eclipse-born patient.

Kai explains he is dragged into the sleepscape only when the Regulators make someone scream, as if their procedure cracks his seal; the last time was the fall equinox, aligning with Emory’s dream of Romie. Emory reveals her Tidecaller ability to wield multiple Eclipse magics. Kai is skeptical until Baz vouches for her.

Emory and Baz ask Kai to teach them how to reach Romie through the sleepscape. Kai agrees on one condition: Baz must locate the Institute room used for the experiments. Kai says Baz’s father was recently transferred and taken there, though he remembers little, which devastates Baz but steels his resolve to search.

While Baz steps away, Kai pointedly warns Emory not to betray Baz’s trust and loyalty. Emory recognizes her reliance on Baz and promises not to hurt him. The tension eases, and Kai begins laying the groundwork for “Sleepscape 101,” preparing them for the dangers ahead.