Summary

News of Gaven’s betrayal spreads quickly, reaching Mirari and Joachim in Minetta. With Althaea in chaos, the Council declares Gaven an outlaw, and rumors of his rebellion stir fear that he will seek to conquer all neighboring regions as well. Shocked by these rumors, Mirari refuses to believe them and decides to travel to Althaea with Joachim, determined to find Gaven and stop him from escalating the conflict.

At the border, they meet a family—Fangbane, Starlight, and Sorren. Fangbane is revealed to be leading an alliance of fighters and commanders from Minetta, Althaea, and Valenia, all gathered to quell the growing rebellion and capture Gaven. He invites Mirari to join them in their strategy meeting. While every leader and person of power suggests that Gaven must be killed, Mirari attempts to sway the crowd in another direction. She proposes Gaven’s...