Summary

Told through Gaven's perspective, Roselyn, Gaven, and Salathiel depart for their hunting trip. He makes notes about the group dynamic and Roselyn’s growth over the past three years. During the hunt, they encounter ilorinae—dangerous, living plants that release numbing pollen. When the plants attack, Roselyn instinctively unleashes her fire abilities, which nearly ignite the entire forest and injure Gaven. Salathiel accidentally knocks her unconscious while trying to stop her. When Roselyn awakens, she has no memory of the incident. Gaven accuses her of lying.

Analysis

Gaven’s anger stems from his deep-seated fear of betrayal, a result of his mother abandoning him. Though fond of Roselyn, he is hurt by what he perceives as dishonesty about her powers. Salathiel believes Gaven’s anger is less about Roselyn hiding her abilities and more about his desire to assert himself as the stronger...