55 Meryn

Meryn and the wolves flee the ruined Linsfall through exhaustion and grief, the Tear of destruction warm in her pack, while Venna lies unconscious and close to turning Siphon. Lucien estimates hours before the turn. Meryn and Anassa conclude the group must soon split: some to manage Venna’s transformation, others to keep moving.

They halt under cover. Meryn maintains a thin veil of magic and, despite danger, decides to seek intelligence from the Tear. With Stark guarding, Lucien joins the vision. Meryn is drawn into a clear scene: Lumina walks a forest, exhales vast power that transforms trees and earth into the early city of Linsfall, then creates people within it. Lumina gifts the newly formed Tear to a woman, commands them to cherish and protect the world, promises to come when summoned, and vanishes.

Returning, Meryn and Lucien struggle to interpret the vision: the goddess created both city and people, and early citizens could safely hold the gem unlike the Mother Priestess. Uncertain how this helps against Killian, they reassess their position. Meryn fears her engagement link could let Killian turn the Tears’ power against them; Venna’s impending turn also forces a division of their strength.

Pressed for time and allies, they tally Killian’s weaknesses, chiefly his hunger for power, and Meryn recognizes a deeper vulnerability in their bond. She resolves to twist their cursed connection into a weapon, despite the pain it will cost her. Before plans can form, Egith’s urgent message arrives: Killian’s forces are advancing on Blumenfall, forcing immediate decisions.