7 Meryn

Meryn meets Leader Aldrich at the dungeons and finds Saela awake, terrified, and wracked with guilt over biting Helene. Saela begs Meryn to kill her, believing herself evil. Meryn refuses, reasserts her authority as elder sister, and calms Saela by promising they will find a way to fix her condition.

Meryn gifts Saela their mother’s opal necklace for protection and comfort. Saela cannot recall how she was turned, suggesting erased memories. Aldrich shares Siphon records: animal blood can sustain a Siphon, though with diminished strength and aging. He warns of a potential sire bond that could allow mental connection and compulsion, likely tying Saela to her maker.

Despite the risks, Meryn decides Saela should stay close under tight supervision. With Anassa’s telepathic support, they arrange for Saela to move into Meryn and Anassa’s chambers, with trusted guards controlling access and attendants kept away under the pretense of illness.

Later, Venna escorts Meryn to the blacksmith, who cannot remove the constricting engagement bracelet and identifies the shattered Dire Blade as nonhuman-forged. Meryn accepts a new, well-balanced sword. She offers a perfunctory sendoff to deploying troops, mindful of Saela’s absence from her side.

Meryn returns to find Saela installed in the warm room, withdrawn and silent. Sitting beside her, Meryn vows to fix what has been done, reaffirming her determination to protect and heal her sister despite looming threats from the sire bond and Killian.