Chapter no 17 – 18

Chapter no 17

Awoken from a nightmare filled with haunting imagery, the protagonist hears screams echoing through the manor. Driven by both fear and curiosity, she leaves her room to discover Tamlin entering the hall, carrying a severely injured faerie from the Summer Court. The faerie’s wings had been brutally torn off, leaving him drenched in blood and agony. Tamlin and Lucien work urgently to tend to the faerie, but his injuries are too severe, and death seems inevitable. The scene is raw and visceral, with the faerie repeatedly lamenting the loss of his wings, his agony palpable.

The protagonist, despite her fear and aversion to the fae, steps forward to help. She holds the faerie down, speaking softly to calm him as Tamlin tries to treat his wounds. Her humanity shines through as she offers comfort, even knowing her reassurances are likely false. The brutality of the faerie’s injuries, inflicted by the mysterious and cruel “she,” leaves a lasting impression on everyone present. Lucien, unable to stomach the sight, flees, while Tamlin solemnly continues his futile attempts to save the faerie.

As the faerie succumbs to his injuries, the protagonist remains by his side, holding his hand and offering quiet comfort until his final breath. Tamlin performs a solemn faerie prayer, acknowledging the inevitable. The protagonist is deeply moved by the experience, reflecting on the cruelty of the act and the dignity the faerie deserved in his last moments. Even after his death, she stays with the body, unwilling to let go, until Tamlin gently leads her away.

Upstairs, the protagonist confronts Tamlin about why he allowed her to assist, despite her human prejudices against the fae. In a moment of vulnerability, she admits her regret over past hatred and her actions against Andras. She explains that no one, human or faerie, should die alone, revealing a growing sense of empathy. Tamlin listens quietly, seemingly burdened by his own guilt and responsibilities, and the two share a fragile but profound connection in the aftermath of the night’s events.

The chapter ends with the protagonist watching Tamlin carry the faerie’s body into the garden for burial, his every movement heavy with grief and weariness. She observes him from the window, struck by his silent dignity and the weight of his role as protector. The haunting image of the blood-soaked faerie and Tamlin’s solemn procession lingers in her mind, leaving her to grapple with her growing understanding of the faerie realm’s complexities and her own evolving humanity.

Chapter no 18

The next morning, the protagonist reflects on her situation in Tamlin’s manor, deciding to seek forgiveness for killing Andras. While admiring the tranquil beauty of the reflecting pool, she sees Tamlin and Lucien discussing a patrol. Lucien silently exits, leaving Tamlin to invite her for a ride since her art supplies and other activities are delayed. Reluctantly, she agrees, noting Tamlin’s unspoken sorrow and his subtle attempts to comfort her after the violence of recent days.

During their ride, they arrive at a breathtaking glen, a place so beautiful it seems otherworldly. The glen feels like the perfect escape, filled with dandelion fluff and vibrant flowers. As they relax, Tamlin offers a glimpse of his warmth and playfulness, teasing the protagonist into laughter and creating a sense of ease. Lucien, in the background, observes with casual detachment, but the protagonist begins to understand the unspoken camaraderie between the three of them.

Later, Tamlin takes her to a silver pool of starlight, a magical feature of Prythian, and encourages her to experience it. Despite her initial hesitation, she decides to embrace the moment and swims in the enchanting waters. The shared experience allows Tamlin and the protagonist to connect, with him showing a more vulnerable side and her recounting stories of her past struggles and resilience. Their conversation gradually builds trust, even as she remains guarded.

The narrative shifts to Lucien’s tragic past, revealing how he witnessed the brutal execution of his lover by his family and barely escaped his brothers’ attempts to kill him. Tamlin’s intervention saved Lucien, cementing their bond. This revelation helps the protagonist see Lucien’s prickly demeanor in a new light. She resolves not to bring up his past out of respect, understanding the depth of pain he carries beneath his sarcastic exterior.

On the ride back, the protagonist thanks Lucien for his earlier guidance, acknowledging their complicated relationship. Lucien surprises her by gifting her a jeweled hunting knife, a gesture of trust and perhaps an unspoken apology for past tensions. This exchange subtly hints at a growing mutual respect between them, despite their initial animosity. The day ends with a sense of tentative camaraderie and the protagonist beginning to find her place among these complex, wounded individuals.