Chapter 32: Baz

In the cave, Emory’s power surges toward a catastrophic Collapsing as an umbra throttles Baz. Terrified of losing Emory to the same fate as his father and Kai, Baz reaches deep into his magic and rewinds time, freezing rock and stilling the umbra. He reverses Emory’s Collapsing until her veins return to normal and her power recedes.

They flee before the umbra returns and swim to the beach as the tide rises. Exhausted and reeling, they process the impossible: Baz has stopped a Collapsing. The implications exhilarate and unsettle Baz, who imagines protecting Eclipse-born students. Relief and shared wonder crest into laughter and intimacy, and Baz impulsively kisses Emory; she responds before abruptly pulling away.

Emory’s sacred spiral glows as she receives a message from Keiran. She learns the dean knows she is a Tidecaller and that Baz has been training her; the dean is coming for them. Baz realizes she has been secretly communicating with Keiran and confronts her, wounded that she trusted Keiran with her Eclipse-born secret.

The argument deepens: Baz cites Keiran’s history and prejudice against Eclipse-born and accuses him of betrayal; Emory defends Keiran, insisting he values her power and is helping save Romie. Baz, feeling used and blindsided, questions Emory’s trust and motives, their fragile bond fracturing just after their first kiss.

Dean Fulton arrives on the beach and orders them to come with her. Baz, stung and conflicted, brushes past Emory and follows the dean back toward Aldryn, bracing for the consequences of their exposure.