58 Meryn

On a tense morning, Meryn tests her foresight but sees only a single, uncertain path: riding into Killian’s camp with Stark bound. She finalizes a plan with Anassa, Stark, Cratos, and Noemi—Noemi will be hidden by rift-shadow to locate Tormun, while Meryn will theatrically deliver Stark to sell her lie to Killian.

Meryn outlines the ruse: bind Stark and Cratos with shadow that Stark himself can undo, neutralize Tormun to prevent Phylax interference, and avoid a wider bloodbath. She promises Noemi a chance at Alistair before ending him. They ride for Blumenfall, their wolves eager for the clash.

Near the camp, Noemi scouts and confirms Tormun’s ostentatious command tent, then slips inside under Meryn’s shroud. Meryn and Stark interlink minds to weave convincing restraints, share a charged farewell, and proceed. Through rows of uneasy Phylax, Meryn carries multiple Goddess Tears and the wolf crown, ready for a decisive strike; a brief silence from Noemi breaks before she reports she’s in place.

Killian emerges wreathed in Meryn’s stolen shadow, immaculate yet twitching—signs Meryn reads as a struggle with Alistair. He directs her to Tormun’s tent to drop off Stark and demands proof of all the Tears. When Meryn stalls, Killian threatens to immediately sack the city and slaughter any Bonded opposing his rule, escalating the stakes for the impending confrontation.