Chapter no 11 – 12

Chapter no 11

The protagonist, desperate and determined, prepares to flee her current situation. Without giving herself a moment to second-guess, she bundles up in layers, grabs her stolen knife, and makes her way to the window after seeing her father waiting outside. Despite her doubts and the uncertainty of how he managed to reach her, she holds onto hope that he has a plan to rescue her and take her far away. Quietly descending from the building, she follows her father’s signal, determined to escape unnoticed.

However, her plans are abruptly interrupted when Tamlin catches her. His claws and fangs reveal his rage, and the protagonist is paralyzed with terror. To her horror, her father’s presence turns out to be an illusion created by a puca, a creature that preys on human desires to lure its victims. Tamlin berates her for her recklessness and warns her of the dangers lurking in the woods, emphasizing the importance of caution, especially at night. The interaction leaves her shaken and aware of the peril surrounding her.

The protagonist confronts Tamlin, expressing her anger and frustration at being forced to stay in his realm, separated from her family. She explains her sense of duty to care for them, a promise she made to her late mother. Tamlin counters by insisting that her family is now well cared for because of her sacrifice, though the protagonist struggles to accept the idea. The realization that her vow may already be fulfilled leaves her feeling empty and conflicted.

In the days that follow, she distracts herself by joining Lucien on patrols, but her thoughts remain consumed by her actions and their consequences. The absence of Tamlin, who is preoccupied with hunting the Bogge, provides little relief, as his struggles and responsibilities as a High Fae become more apparent. Lucien’s insights reveal the burden of power and the isolation that comes with it, giving her a deeper understanding of Tamlin’s behavior and the complexities of his world.

Haunted by a vivid dream of killing a High Fae disguised as a wolf, the protagonist wrestles with guilt and regret over her past actions. The dream reflects her internal struggle to reconcile her survival instincts with the moral consequences of her choices. As she awakens in her new reality, the weight of her decisions and the hollowness of her existence in Tamlin’s realm leave her grappling with feelings of shame and longing for the life she once had.

Chapter no 12

The protagonist struggles to shake off the haunting imagery of her nightmare, which continues to weigh on her as she roams the dark halls of the manor. Unable to sleep, she takes up the task of mapping the estate, marking exits and windows on a crude piece of parchment. Though her limited literacy makes the map barely comprehensible to others, it represents her need to be prepared for escape. The dim lighting prevents her from admiring the paintings that line the walls, but she consoles herself with the thought that she has plenty of time to observe them in the future.

Her solitary exploration is interrupted by Tamlin’s arrival, still bearing the aftermath of his battle with the Bogge. In his beastly form, he appears enormous and menacing, trailing blood across the floor as he moves. After shifting back to his humanoid form, Tamlin displays no concern for his injuries or the blood dripping from his hand. Despite his distant and weary demeanor, the protagonist insists on tending to his wounds. As she cleans and bandages his hand, she becomes acutely aware of his immense power, which leaves her both awed and uneasy.

Their conversation reveals Tamlin’s acknowledgment of her resourcefulness, though it is tempered by his sharp observations about her limitations, such as her inability to write. She deflects his comments, explaining that necessity has driven her to learn survival skills like hunting and wound care. Tamlin, despite his earlier coldness, seems to soften slightly as he observes her resilience. The protagonist, however, remains wary of his dual nature—capable of both vulnerability and lethal power.

The next morning, the protagonist overhears a tense exchange between Tamlin and Lucien, revealing the strain caused by the mysterious blight affecting their lands. Lucien accuses Tamlin of inaction, while Tamlin struggles with guilt and responsibility for the chaos encroaching on their territory. The protagonist realizes the gravity of the situation, as the blight weakens barriers between courts and invites dangerous creatures into their lands. She is left unsettled by the implications of what she has overheard but tries to mask her eavesdropping when confronted.

Later, Tamlin confronts her about her stolen knife and lack of preparation, offering her an indirect warning about the dangers she faces in Prythian. Though he deflects her questions about the blight and its consequences, his remarks about time and survival hint at deeper concerns he refuses to share. Their exchange underscores the protagonist’s precarious position in a world she barely understands, where the looming threat of war and powerful predators leaves her feeling vulnerable. Tamlin’s cryptic behavior only deepens her uncertainty as he leads her to the study, leaving her stomach twisted with dread.