Chapter 24

Four months after Selwyn Kane appeared, Natasia records an audio log about his condition. Selwyn has stopped actively trying to escape the warded bedroom where Natasia keeps him, but Natasia suspects he may only be waiting for a better opportunity. Selwyn still shows disturbing flashes of clarity, and the Wildcrafted tonics that once helped Natasia recover from demonic cravings are not working on him.

Natasia considers contacting risky networks for help, but another barrier break interrupts the log. Natasia finds Selwyn behind the mostly repaired ward with burned knuckles from punching through it. Selwyn heals almost instantly, and Natasia’s concern prompts a silent accusation in his expression: she has caged her own son.

Natasia explains that the cage is meant to protect Selwyn from Merlins or goruchels while he is not himself. Natasia asks about blood trails in the woods leading back to him, but Selwyn only responds with mocking expressions and gestures. When Natasia notes that Selwyn used to laugh with her, the moment underscores both Selwyn’s lingering personality and Natasia’s grief over how little she knows her son now.

Natasia admits she thought she could help Selwyn quickly but has run out of old remedies and journal-based solutions. Selwyn dismisses the problem, but Natasia insists she will not give up. Selwyn’s rude response leads Natasia to acknowledge that she was absent when Selwyn needed her, though she says she would have returned if she believed she could survive and keep him safe.

Selwyn silently challenges whether Natasia ever tried, and Natasia reveals that after her escape she repeatedly attempted to see him. On one attempt near the Chapel Hill house, Isaac Sorenson caught her scent and nearly tore her apart while Martin Davis watched. Martin and Isaac later threatened that if Natasia tried again, Selwyn would lose an arm in front of her, so Natasia stayed away to protect him.

The revelation enrages both mother and son, and Natasia tells Selwyn that Martin and Isaac were the real monsters. Natasia apologizes for letting Selwyn believe otherwise and asks him to be patient while she keeps searching for a way to help. Selwyn silently allows Natasia to keep trying, but taps his wrist to warn that time is running out.