43 Meryn

Preparing to depart, Meryn’s sister Saela admits she wants to remain in Astreona to learn what it means to be a Siphon. Though torn, Meryn accepts, recognizing the danger ahead and Saela’s need for guidance among Siphons and their father. Meryn warns their father to be present for Saela; he promises, then asks Meryn to help protect Ruby. Meryn grudgingly agrees to keep Ruby well guarded.

Saela gives Meryn their mother’s journals and the Sturmfrost book, and confirms her sire link remains blocked by Lucien’s device. Lucien and Elias arrive—impressively dressed but impractical—prompting Anassa to refuse to carry Lucien, who ends up riding with Venna while Elias rides with Noemi. After wrenching goodbyes, the pack departs Astreona.

They travel two days to Bloomfang. Meryn is awed by her first sight of the sea, while the city welcomes them, reassured by Lucien’s presence. Lucien unveils a swift, sleek ship large enough for the wolves, and they set sail toward the tower’s coordinates.

At sea, Meryn battles severe nausea; Stark steadies her with shadebending he has rapidly mastered since becoming Sovereign Alpha. Tension simmers with Lucien, whose taunts cease when Stark’s silent threats unsettle him. Anassa anxiously paces the deck; Cratos keeps calm watch. Meryn studies sign with Venna and Noemi between bouts of sickness.

Approaching the marked location, the ship meets a stationary wall of fog. As the mist beads on their skin, Meryn’s seasickness vanishes, replaced by heightened alertness shared by Stark. The fog parts to reveal a black tower carved with four-pack sigils on a dark island. As cold air slams into them at the fog’s edge, Lucien yanks the wheel and shouts, “Brace!”