Contents
38 Meryn
Overview
Meryn seeks a way to reclaim Saela’s protective Tear without exposing Saela to Killian, prompting a tense consultation with Lucien that reveals both the Tear pendants’ powers and Siphon-made sire-blockers. A sudden bond-vision shows Siegrid’s death as Phylax overruns the front, forcing Meryn to confront Nocturna’s collapse.
Summary
After forcing Lucien to accept Noemi’s apology, Meryn lies awake, fixated on the Goddess Tears and the power she’ll need to defeat Killian and Alistair. She resolves to reclaim the Tear necklace from Saela but fears removing Saela’s protection. Stark suggests seeking Lucien’s knowledge.
In the morning, Meryn catches Saela signing with Venna and realizes her own failures to accept Saela’s new life. Venna urges Meryn to see Saela as she is. Meryn, Saela, and Venna go to the Astreonan Royal Library to consult Lucien; Stark stays with recovering Noemi.
They find Lucien studying thrall-bracelet lore. Meryn reveals Saela’s sire bond to Killian and the Tear’s protective effect. Lucien, irritated at being kept in the dark, shows he also wears a Tear pendant and confirms the jewels amplify Siphon power. He proposes replacing Saela’s Tear with common Siphon-made blocker jewelry to free the necklace for Meryn.
As they debate Lucien’s motives and the risk of Siphon items, a searing surge hits Meryn through her bonds. She is thrust into Siegrid’s perspective on the battlefield, where Phylax—led by Tormun—with commoner allies assaults Nocturna’s lines. Wounded, Siegrid regains ground until Jonah exploits an opening and delivers a mortal strike.
Siegrid dies, Genicos failing, and the command post burns. Meryn returns to the library floor, shaking, and announces the catastrophic outcome: Nocturna has fallen.
Who Appears
- MerynQueen wrestling with Saela’s protection versus power; confronts Lucien; experiences a devastating bond-vision of Siegrid’s death.
- SaelaMeryn’s sister; protected from Killian’s sire bond by a Tear; signs with Venna; considers replacing her necklace.
- LucienAstreonan king; researches thrall bracelets; reveals his own Tear pendant; proposes Siphon-made sire-blocking jewelry.
- VennaAdvises Meryn to accept Saela as she is; accompanies them; challenges Lucien’s motives.
- StarkMeryn’s partner; suggests consulting Lucien; remains with recovering Noemi during the library visit.
- SiegridSovereign Alpha seen through Meryn’s bond-vision; mortally wounded in battle and dies as lines collapse.
- TormunAlpha of Phylax leading the assault; nearly breaks Siegrid with brute force on the battlefield.
- JonahStrikes the decisive, mortal blow against Siegrid during the melee.
- GenicosSiegrid’s wolf; attempts to heal her but cannot save her from the fatal wound.
- FelippePalace attendant who escorts the group to the Astreonan Royal Library.