37 Meryn

Meryn and Stark race back to Brightbane after sensing Noemi’s agony. They crash into the palace, with Fredrich guiding them toward Lucien’s private chambers as shouts and the bond’s distress intensify. In the corridor, they find chaos: guards restrain a bloodied Noemi, Venna rifting defensively, and Lucien wounded yet composed and taunting.

Meryn orders Noemi and Venna to stand down and confronts Lucien. He claims Noemi infiltrated his rooms and ambushed him with a poisoned dagger before guards intervened, and warns that such conduct jeopardizes the historic alliance he is “considering.” As guards move to remove Noemi, Meryn secures permission to question her privately.

In Lucien’s office, Noemi breaks down and confesses she snapped after seeing Lucien with a woman, perceiving exploitation. She reveals her trauma: during the Bonding Trials she was coerced into being King Cyril’s “companion,” a role arranged by her father, Lord Eisenfall, without consent. The experience fuels her fury at Siphon practices and her reckless attack.

Meryn empathizes, connects it to her own coerced history with Killian/Alistair, and refocuses their shared goal: bringing down the true abuser. She insists that to secure Lucien’s support they need Noemi to apologize sincerely despite his arrogance. Noemi agrees, remorseful and resolute.

Before leaving, Noemi affirms she supports Meryn and Stark’s relationship, clarifying her bond with Stark is platonic. Lucien bangs on the door demanding they finish. Meryn prepares to face him, determined to preserve the alliance and protect Noemi—even if it means standing between her and the Siphon king.