46 Meryn

Meryn’s group arrives at a cavern-spanning chasm, with only a narrow stone arch to cross. The bridge cracks as golden flames race its edges, revealing it cannot bear their combined weight. Noemi resolves to shore the bridge with Phylax shielding, sending Noemi and Ephyse first, then Stark and Cratos, while Venna insists Meryn not be last.

Venna and Skaia attempt the crossing, but Noemi nearly collapses midspan and the bridge lists, forcing Venna to freeze as Noemi snarls and pours in more power to right it. After Venna makes it, Noemi, exhausted, steadies the arc again so Meryn and Anassa can cross; Meryn calms herself, urges Noemi on, and bolts to the far ledge as Stark grabs her safe.

In the final chamber, a bare altar holds a dagger encircled by silver flame. A riddle carved in the stone demands that the Strategos choose where steel meets bone and that a “lifeblood whole” answer the call or all will die. Jets of noxious gas begin to fill the room, forcing a swift decision.

Venna offers herself, but Meryn rejects the idea and, recalling a vision of a body and Stark’s grief, concludes the sacrifice must be hers. Anassa pleads through their bond, sharing her history and loyalty, but Meryn decides she cannot ask another to die. She tells Stark to take the Tear, help Lucien defeat Killian, and protect Saela, then plunges the dagger into her own heart.

As Meryn bleeds out, screams echo and she slips into a shadowed realm. Darkness enfolds her and a booming, unseen voice says, “Well done, my child,” before the shadows release her and she falls into the unknown.