Blood Over Bright Haven: A Novel

Thomil, a skilled scout of the Caldonnae tribe, returns from a scouting mission to find his people gathered at the edge of Lake Tiran, preparing to cross to the city of Tiran for safety. Once numbering in the tens of thousands, the tribe is now reduced to forty people, and the crossing is their last hope for survival. Despite the risks, including the deadly Blight, Thomil joins his family—his sister Maeva, and her husband Arras—in the perilous journey across the ice. As they venture onto the frozen lake, the Blight strikes, claiming many lives, including Arras, and leaving Thomil to carry his niece Carra to safety.

Midway across the lake, the Blight claims more lives, and the ice begins to crack. Driven by the need to protect Carra, Thomil pushes through the collapsing ice and reaches the safety of Tiran's magical barrier. There, he collapses, emotionally and physically drained, but relieved that Carra is alive. The Tiranish guards, initially hesitant, agree to take Thomil and Carra to a camp after Thomil insists Carra is his daughter, leveraging Tiranish laws that prevent separating parents from children.

The chapter ends with Thomil, though broken and grieving, determined to keep Carra alive and honor the memory of his tribe. The stark contrast between the harsh, natural world of the Kwen and the technologically advanced, yet cold, city of Tiran sets the stage for the challenges Thomil and Carra will face in their new life.

Sciona Freynan, driven by the weight of history and the hope of change, makes her way to the University of Magics and Industry for her highmage examination. Her anxiety is palpable, knowing that her failure could set back future female applicants for a decade. Despite her cousin Alba's reassurances, Sciona remains acutely aware of the political and social implications of her performance.

Upon arrival, Sciona is met with a mix of curiosity and skepticism. The crowd includes other applicants and their male relatives, underscoring the rarity of a female candidate. Her mentor, Archmage Derrith Bringham, offers a much-needed boost of confidence, reminding her of her capabilities and the importance of the exam. Sciona's resolve strengthens, but the sight of her competition, particularly Jerrin Mordra, the son of a Council member, adds to her tension.

During the exam, Jerrin Mordra's performance is mediocre, marred by errors in energy sourcing and control. Sciona, watching intently, feels a growing eagerness to demonstrate her superior skills. Her anticipation builds as the exam progresses, and she is the last to be called. Stepping into the testing circle, Sciona is poised to challenge the status quo and prove her worth.

Nerves tangle within Sciona Freynan as she stands in Leon’s Hall, facing the archmages for her highmage examination. The weight of her journey from a public school to Danworth Academy and her years of work with Archmage Bringham press heavily on her. Despite her initial nervousness, she confidently presents her background and expertise, emphasizing her unique path. The exam begins with a series of prompts, starting with igniting pine twigs using the Kaedor mapping method, which Sciona executes flawlessly, demonstrating her precision and control. Her performance continues to impress as she perfectly bisects an obsidian slab, outperforming Jerrin Mordra, and creates an incendiary device from Otherrealm matter, showcasing her adaptability and skill.

Neighborhood well-wishers delay Sciona Freynan on her way to the University of Magics and Industry, slowing her journey from her aunt's apartment. By the time she reaches the station, she is running late for her train. Upon arriving at the University, she meets a janitor named Tommy, who helps her navigate the unfamiliar fourth floor of the Magicentre, an area reserved for highmages and their staff. In her first encounter with her new colleagues, Cleon Renthorn mockingly assigns Tommy as her assistant. Undeterred, Sciona decides to keep Tommy, transforming the insult into an opportunity. Later, she confronts Renthorn in the library, challenging his accusations and setting a competitive goal for the upcoming barrier expansion project.

Still adjusting to her role as a highmage, Sciona Freynan continues her first day at the University of Magics and Industry. As the afternoon progresses, she and Tommy delve into the technical aspects of magic. Sciona explains the dangers of the Otherrealm, the process of sourcing energy, and the potential for disaster, referencing the West Bend bridge collapse, which had claimed the lives of two Kwen workers. Tommy’s personal connection to this event adds a layer of tension and mutual respect between them. By the end of the workday, they decide to go to a bar together, where they share personal stories over drinks at the Dancing Wolf.

The morning after their night at the Dancing Wolf, Sciona reflects on the unexpected bond she has formed with Thomil, the Kwen janitor. This friendship, the first genuine connection since her mother's death and her transfer to Danworth Academy, brings a sense of camaraderie she has never experienced before. Despite her initial discomfort, Sciona finds solace in Thomil's understanding and support.

As they begin their workday early, Sciona delves into teaching Thomil about Kaedor mapping spells and the complexities of the Otherrealm. Their conversation is interrupted by a visit from Archmage Bringham, who reassures Sciona about the challenges she faces from her colleagues and emphasizes her potential to bring positive change. He also acknowledges Thomil's presence, suggesting that having an assistant who listens and follows instructions might be beneficial for Sciona.

The conversation takes a turn when Thomil mentions a former romantic interest who worked in one of Archmage Bringham's textile factories. This revelation stirs uncomfortable memories and societal tensions, but Sciona and Thomil manage to redirect their focus to work. As the day progresses, Sciona realizes that Thomil's ability to listen and understand her explanations is a rare and valuable quality, strengthening their working relationship.

Over the next two weeks at the Magicentre, Sciona and Thomil work tirelessly on her hybrid mapping spell. The other highmages have effectively ostracized her, but this isolation provides a rare opportunity to work undisturbed. Despite her dedication, Sciona struggles to make significant improvements to her spell, leading her to concentrate on drafting a spellweb. She believes her superior mapping skills can compensate for any deficiencies in her web composition compared to Renthorn's.

One day, a sudden explosion rocks the building, causing chaos and destruction. Sciona and Thomil rush to the scene, where they find Halaros injured and disoriented, his lab in ruins. The cause of the explosion appears to be a malfunctioning spellograph, a rare model that Sciona recognizes from Archmage Bringham's testing labs. Suspecting foul play, possibly orchestrated by Renthorn, Sciona becomes increasingly wary of her colleagues' intentions.

In the aftermath, Renthorn capitalizes on the situation by inviting the other highmages, including Halaros, to join his lab, consolidating his power. Sciona refuses his offer, determined to maintain her independence and complete her work on her own terms. She confides in Thomil about her suspicions and the broader context of her struggle as a woman in a male-dominated field, revealing her deep-seated motivations and the personal history that drives her.

Deciding to move her operations to Archmage Bringham's lab, Trethellyn Hall, Sciona believes she will have the necessary resources and support to continue her work without interference. She also resolves to involve Thomil more directly in her magical practices, recognizing the need to delegate tasks and work more efficiently to stay competitive with Renthorn and the others.

Still reeling from the recent explosion and the suspicions it has raised, Sciona finds solace in her work with Thomil. Over the transition from summer to winter, Thomil's progress under her tutelage accelerates. He moves from basic children’s books to copying Sciona’s complex spells, culminating in his successful creation of a conduit. Despite Thomil's achievements, Sciona remains frustrated with her lack of progress on improving her mapping spell, which is crucial for the barrier expansion project.

During a candid conversation, Thomil suggests that the limitations of Sciona’s mapping spell might be due to the unalterable lines dictated by Faene’s rules. This prompts Sciona to reconsider breaking these rules to achieve her goals. Thomil’s personal history and his tribe’s connection to the origins of Tiranish magic add a layer of complexity to their relationship, challenging Sciona’s views on the Kwen and the foundational myths of Tiran.

Their discussion delves into the moral and ethical differences between Tiranish and Kwen cultures, particularly regarding the concept of goodness and the role of intentions versus outcomes. This leads to a heated debate, where Thomil’s honesty and Sciona’s defensiveness create tension. However, Sciona ultimately values Thomil’s candor and asks him to continue being honest, even if it means challenging her beliefs.

The chapter concludes with Thomil sharing a surprising piece of Kwen history: the existence of powerful female magic users, or meidrae, long before the founding of Tiran. This revelation shakes Sciona’s understanding of the historical and potential roles of female mages, leaving her both fascinated and conflicted.

Still haunted by Thomil’s revelations about Kwen magic, Sciona tosses and turns in her bed, her mind racing with the implications. Determined to uncover more, she rises early and rushes to the University library. After a day of exhaustive research, she discovers a critical link between Tiranish and Kwen magics through the lineage of Founding Mage Andrethen Stravos, who had a Kwen mother and was a master sourcer.

Inspired by her findings, Sciona spends hours piecing together Stravos’s ancient spellwork, ultimately creating a new, highly detailed mapping spell. When Thomil arrives, she eagerly demonstrates the results, which reveal the Otherrealm in unprecedented clarity. Thrilled by her success, Sciona decides to push the boundaries further by removing the Faene-ordained lines that traditionally cloud the mapping spells, creating a clear window to the Otherrealm.

However, the experiment takes a terrifying turn when Sciona tests the new spell and accidentally causes Blight, a catastrophic event. Recognizing the danger, Thomil swiftly destroys the spellograph to prevent further damage. The chapter ends with Sciona and Thomil in shock, grappling with the implications of their discovery and the potential consequences of their actions.

Still reeling from the disastrous experiment in her lab, Thomil flees, overwhelmed by the realization that the Blight he witnessed as a child is connected to Tiranish magic. Sciona pursues him, finding him trembling in a stairwell, where he angrily confronts her about the nature of the Otherrealm and the Blight. Despite Sciona’s attempts to rationalize the situation, Thomil’s personal experiences and the undeniable evidence force her to consider the horrifying possibility that Tiranish magic might indeed be siphoning life from the Kwen.

Determined to disprove Thomil’s claims, Sciona returns to her office and uses a spellograph to map a familiar siphoning location. Her heart sinks as she witnesses a black-haired girl on a distant shore being siphoned to death. The realization hits Sciona with devastating force, shattering her faith in Tiran and its magic. In a state of profound grief and guilt, she collapses, sobbing over the girl’s dying moments, the full weight of her discovery crushing her.

In the aftermath of the traumatic vision of the Kwen girl being siphoned to death, Sciona is found in a state of shock by Archmage Bringham and other concerned colleagues. Initially unresponsive, she is taken to a quiet classroom where she is comforted and questioned about the incident. Sciona, still traumatized, recounts the vision, which she believes she caused through her mapping spell.

Archmage Bringham suggests that Sciona may have encountered an ancient curse, likely set by a malevolent mage like Sabernyn, who left behind traps to deter future mages from delving too deeply into certain magics. Despite Bringham’s reassurances that the vision was an illusion, Sciona remains unconvinced, haunted by the vivid and specific details of the girl’s death. Her doubts are further fueled by Thomil’s reaction to the same vision, which he recognized as a real place.

As Sciona’s mental state deteriorates, her colleagues express concern but also skepticism, leading her to isolate herself, seeking solace with her aunt. The weight of her guilt becomes overwhelming, and she contemplates suicide. However, her cousin Alba intervenes, preventing her from jumping from the window.

The chapter ends with Sciona in a state of deep despair, questioning the fundamental morality of her work and the very foundations of Tiranish society, while Alba holds on to her, refusing to let her give in to the darkness.

Still reeling from the revelation of the true cost of Tiranish magic, Thomil Freynan climbs to the top of a water tower, his thoughts a whirlwind of betrayal and anger. The fragile trust he had built with Sciona Freynan is now shattered, and the realization that Tiranish magic is linked to the Blight has shaken him to his core. He feels a deep sense of responsibility for his emotional vulnerability and the consequences of his actions.

Carra, Thomil’s niece, surprises him on the tower. Reluctantly, he shares his recent discoveries with her, his guilt and selfishness evident as he confesses to raising Carra in a way that preserves their Caldonnae heritage, even if it means she faces greater hardships in Tiran. Carra, hardened by her life in the city, reacts with intense anger, screaming at the factory that looms over their home.

Thomil watches in sorrow, recognizing that his actions have corrupted his niece and that he has, in a sense, betrayed his own people. The chapter ends with Thomil praying to the Caldonnae gods, who remain silent in the face of Tiran’s dominance. He realizes that the true death of his tribe lies not just in the physical destruction of their way of life, but in the moral and spiritual decay that has taken hold of him and, through him, Carra.

Sciona Freynan, still grappling with the devastating truth about Tiranish magic, is in a state of deep distress. Her cousin Alba, desperate to help, calls for a medical alchemist, Dr. Mellier, to treat her. However, Sciona resists, fearing that the alchemist’s methods will strip away her essence and purpose. In a tense and manipulative encounter, Sciona threatens to jump from her window unless Dr. Mellier listens to her and engages with her on a deeper level. Through this confrontation, Sciona articulates her belief that her emotional turmoil, far from being a poison to be transmuted, is a powerful energy that can be harnessed for greater good. She rejects the traditional alchemical approach, which confines emotions to the limitations of matter, and proposes a new model where emotions are treated as energy, infinite in their potential. Sciona’s epiphany leads her to recognize that her feelings, no matter how dark, can be channeled into meaningful action. She resolves to find an action spell that will allow her to make a tangible impact on the world, drawing inspiration from Thomil’s belief that a person is judged by their actions. The chapter ends with Sciona determined to move forward, despite the moral and emotional challenges she faces, and committed to leaving a lasting legacy.

Sciona visits the Berald family bakery, where she has a heartfelt conversation with Ansel about his brother Carseth, who committed suicide after witnessing the horrors at the barrier. Ansel’s revelations confirm Sciona’s suspicions about the brutal treatment of Kwen refugees and the true nature of the barrier. Determined to seek the truth, Sciona heads to Thomil’s apartment, where she admits her mistakes and seeks his help to address the issues they have uncovered.

Thomil is initially cold and skeptical, but Sciona’s sincerity and her commitment to change slowly win him over. Their conversation is interrupted by Carra, who is hostile towards Sciona. Thomil reveals the tragic history of their tribe, including the loss of his sister and brother-in-law during the crossing. Carra’s aggressive behavior towards Sciona escalates, leading to a tense confrontation that Thomil manages to defuse.

Despite the tension, Thomil agrees to support Sciona’s plan to approach the High Magistry, but he warns her to be cautious, fearing that the archmages might already know about the siphoning and could pose a threat. Sciona promises to be careful and heads to the University to confront Archmage Bringham. Meanwhile, Thomil has a heartfelt conversation with Carra, urging her to be more cautious and to trust Sciona’s intentions.

Still reeling from her revelations about the true nature of Tiranish magic, Sciona walks through the city, feeling the weight of the Blight that fuels its technological marvels. The familiar sights of Tiran, once comforting, now seem tainted with the blood of the Kwen. Determined to confront the truth, she ascends to Bringham’s office, where she reveals her findings about the siphoning of human life. Bringham, though initially supportive, admits that the archmages have long known about the true nature of the Otherrealm and the Blight, but have chosen to ignore it for the sake of Tiran’s progress and civilization.

Sciona is devastated by Bringham’s admission and his insistence that she accept the status quo. She argues that her new mapping spell could help avoid the siphoning of human life, but Bringham dismisses her ideas, emphasizing that Tiran’s survival depends on the continued use of magic, regardless of the cost. Bringham’s cold pragmatism and his refusal to acknowledge the moral implications of their actions fuel Sciona’s growing rage and disillusionment. She realizes that the mages of Tiran, including her mentor, are complicit in a system of mass murder and deceit.

Despite her internal turmoil, Sciona agrees to play along with Bringham’s expectations, promising to return to work and dismiss Thomil as mentally unstable to protect Tiran’s secrets. This facade masks her determination to expose the truth and challenge the corrupt system. As she returns to her laboratory, she encounters Jerrin Mordra, who offers a rare moment of kindness. However, Sciona advises him to distance himself from the corrupt world of magic and politics. Her resolve solidifies, and she prepares to take her next steps in a world she no longer recognizes as her own.

Reeling from the revelations about Tiranish magic, Sciona heads to the library to gather resources for her next move. Her thoughts are interrupted when Renthorn, appearing visibly unwell, confronts her about her breakthrough in mapping the Otherrealm. Despite her initial resistance, Renthorn's desperation escalates into a physical altercation, and he attempts to force Sciona to share her spellwork, even assaulting her.

Thomil, who had been following Sciona out of concern, intervenes and knocks Renthorn unconscious. To protect Thomil from the other mages, Sciona falsely claims that Thomil damaged her test conduits and fires him. The other mages, including Tanrel, Halaros, and Mordra, are suspicious but ultimately accept her explanation. Sciona’s anger and frustration boil over, and she lashes out at Tanrel and Halaros, criticizing their work and reputation.

After the confrontation, Sciona retrieves the broken spellograph from the scrap metal bin with the help of the head janitor, Mr. Dermek. She learns about Dermek’s tribe, the Mersyn, and their tragic fate. Determined to make a difference, Sciona asks Dermek for his keys to the storage area, hinting at her plans to use the spellograph to further her investigation into the siphoning of human life.

Sciona, still shaken by the violent confrontation with Renthorn and the subsequent firing of Thomil, seeks refuge with her cousin Alba. Alba, a skilled mechanic, successfully repairs the broken spellograph Sciona has retrieved from the University. During a heartfelt conversation with her family, Sciona expresses deep gratitude for their unwavering support, which bolsters her resolve to take the next step in her mission.

Determined to reveal the truth about Tiranish magic and the siphoning of human life, Sciona visits Thomil's apartment to enlist his help with a complex spellweb. Upon arrival, she finds Carra, who is visibly hostile and resentful. Carra informs Sciona that Thomil has been beaten by the guards, adding to Sciona's distress. Despite this, Sciona remains resolute in her mission.

When Thomil finally arrives, Sciona explains her plan to expose the High Magistry's crimes through the spellweb. Thomil is skeptical, arguing that the average Tiranish citizen will not care about the Kwen's fate and that the archmages will retaliate violently. However, Sciona insists that the Tiranish people can be convinced to reject the corrupt system. Though reluctant, Thomil agrees to help with a fail-safe in case the worst happens. Sciona reveals that the fail-safe involves a violent and dramatic confrontation, which Carra seems to approve of.

Sciona and Carra execute a daring plan to infiltrate the Magicentre, disguised as janitors. They enter the siphoning hall to plant spellpapers that will disrupt the energy flow and expose the corruption of the High Magistry. The siphoning hall, filled with massive spellographs, is a stark symbol of the city's dependence on the Blight, and Sciona is horrified to see the machines that killed Carra's parents.

While Carra quickly and efficiently plants the spellpapers, Sciona takes a detour to Archmage Orynhel’s secret office to steal files containing variants of the barrier expansion spell. Inside, she overhears a conversation between Orynhel, Archmage Gamwen, and Archmage Justice Capernai discussing the expanded siphoning zone, a theory that could potentially increase the Blight's reach. Sciona narrowly escapes detection and rejoins Carra, who has completed her part of the mission. They leave the Magicentre undetected, with Sciona feeling a mix of relief and renewed determination.

Outside the Magicentre, Thomil waits anxiously for their return. When they emerge, he embraces Carra and Sciona, expressing his pride in their success. The group walks together, and Thomil and Sciona share a moment of mutual respect and understanding. Sciona compliments Thomil on his parenting, recognizing the challenges he has faced in raising Carra. Thomil opens up about his past, including his relationship with Kaedelli and his decision not to have children, revealing his fears and regrets.

The chapter ends with a poignant moment as Thomil and Sciona walk together, reflecting on their shared struggles and the possibility of a different, more just world. The Feryn’s Feast decorations light up the train station, symbolizing the enduring importance of family and the hope for a better future.

Sciona stands before the High Magistry in Leon’s Hall, presenting her revolutionary mapping spells. She begins with the Stravos-Kaedor Method, which produces a highly detailed grayscale image of the Otherrealm, stunning the archmages with its clarity. Despite the initial praise, the archmages, especially Archmage Duris, voice skepticism and disapproval of her methods and her gender. Undeterred, Sciona reveals her second spell, the Freynan Mirror, which displays the Otherrealm in vivid color, exposing the Kwen settlements and the brutal reality of the siphoning process.

A heavy silence descends as the archmages and highmages react with shock, rage, and disbelief. Sciona confronts the Council, accusing them of knowing the true cost of Tiranish magic and hiding it from the public. Archmage Orynhel, maintaining a calm demeanor, defends the Founding Mages’ decisions and the necessity of the siphoning for Tiran’s survival. Sciona, however, refuses to back down, citing historical facts and her own research to argue that the archmages are wrong. She accuses them of perpetuating a lie and denying the humanity of the Kwen.

In a final act of defiance, Sciona reveals that she has already activated Freynan Mirrors throughout Tiran, allowing the entire city to see the true source of their energy. The hall erupts into chaos as the mages witness the carnage in the Otherrealm. Archmage Orynhel orders Sciona’s arrest, and she is dragged away by guards, shouting that she has done the right thing. The chapter ends with Sciona being taken from the hall, her resolve unbroken, and the archmages left to grapple with the consequences of her actions.

Sciona is arrested and transported to a jail, where she is isolated in her cell. Outside, the Kwen, enraged by the revelations of the siphoning, begin to riot, their shouts and the sounds of chaos seeping through the walls. Her cousin Alba visits, her face a mix of devastation and fury. Accusing Sciona of selfishness and betrayal of both her family and the city, Alba cuts all ties with her, leaving Sciona alone with her thoughts and the weight of her guilt.

Later, Sciona is relocated to house arrest under the protection of Archmage Bringham and Archmage Duris. As they navigate the chaotic streets, violent riots and Kwen mobs block their path. Bringham uses his staff to fend off the attackers, and Sciona is forced to witness the brutal consequences of her actions. The tension between Sciona and the archmages intensifies, especially with Duris openly expressing his contempt for the Kwen, referring to them as ‘filth’ and ‘demons.’

Driving through the destruction, Sciona sees the ruins of her neighborhood, including the Berald family bakery, and realizes the full extent of the suffering she has caused. The chapter ends with the sun setting on the last day of Feryn’s Feast, a day that should have been one of community and faith, now marred by violence and division.

Still reeling from the chaos unleashed by the Freynan Mirrors, Sciona is placed under house arrest at Bringham’s mansion. Outside, the Kwen, enraged by the revelations, attempt to breach the gates. Bringham, using a ring of fire, clears a path, burning many Kwen in the process. Inside the mansion, Sciona grapples with her conflicting emotions—feeling responsible for the chaos while remaining resolute in her actions. She confronts Bringham, who admits to using her as a form of penance for his own sins, including the harmful practices in his factories. Sciona’s realization that Bringham’s actions were driven by a twisted sense of redemption deepens her resolve to face the consequences of her own choices.

Sciona writes a final letter to her aunt, reflecting on her upbringing and the sacrifices her family made for her. She refuses to apologize for her actions at the High Magistry, acknowledging the pain her work has caused but standing firm in her belief that the truth needed to be revealed. Bringham, still playing the role of a caring mentor, tries to persuade Sciona to repent and save her life, but she steadfastly refuses. As the Kwen breach the gates, Bringham uses his staff to protect Sciona, but she confronts him, demanding honesty and authenticity. The confrontation reveals the true extent of Bringham’s cruelty, and Sciona feels a cold, bitter satisfaction as she witnesses the aftermath of his violence.

The next morning, Sciona is escorted to the Magicentre for her trial, where the hall is heavily guarded and the atmosphere is tense. She addresses the Council, reaffirming her commitment to the truth and urging them to use her mapping spells to create a more just and compassionate Tiran. Despite her impassioned plea, the Council sentences her to death by drinking a vial of poison. As she prepares to die, the building begins to shake, signaling the activation of a massive spell. Sciona realizes that Thomil has completed her final spell and laughs, declaring this as her final word to the Council.

Reeling from the chaos unleashed by the Freynan Mirrors, Sciona visits Thomil to ask him to activate the final spell—a massive siphoning spell that would destroy the High Magistry. Thomil is hesitant, torn between his desire for revenge and his fear of becoming a murderer. He worries about the repercussions for Carra and the Kwen, and the moral implications of using the same magic that killed his people. Sciona, understanding his concerns, reassures him that this is an act of justice, but Thomil remains conflicted.

Seeing Thomil’s struggle, Sciona decides to leave the spellograph with him and spends the last night with him, sharing a moment of intimacy that leaves both of them deeply affected. The next morning, as the city erupts into chaos, Thomil and Carra prepare to activate the spell. Carra, determined to fight for her freedom, convinces Thomil to proceed. With a heavy heart, Thomil activates the spell, and the Magicentre is engulfed in a violent siphoning process, killing the archmages and highmages.

In the center of Leon’s Hall, Sciona watches as the Blight consumes those around her, including Bringham, Perramis, and Orynhel. In her final moments, she reflects on whether Thomil’s actions were driven by love or hate, but ultimately hopes that Thomil, Carra, and her family will find a better future. The barrier expansion spell reshapes the dome, marking the end of an era and the beginning of a new, uncertain path for Tiran.

In the wake of the spell that obliterated the High Magistry, Thomil and Carra grapple with the aftermath. Carra, still in shock, questions Thomil about his tears and his feelings for Sciona. Thomil admits his love but reflects on the tragic fate of the Kwen. Determined to avoid capture, Thomil disposes of Sciona’s spellwork by sinking the spellograph in the West River.

As they prepare to leave, Renthorn and Jerrin Mordra appear on the rooftop. Renthorn, now declaring himself Archmage Supreme, demands the spellograph. Thomil stalls, buying time for Carra to escape. Carra returns and kills Renthorn by dropping the spellograph on his head. Thomil spares Mordra, forcing him to swear an oath to remember the day’s events and to use his inherited power for good.

With the barrier expanding, Thomil and Carra join a group of Endrasta Kwen fleeing the city. They face barriers, guards, and the harsh cold as they make their way to the mountains. The expanding barrier disrupts the guards’ firearms, creating a window of opportunity for the Kwen to escape. Thomil and Carra find solace in the determined faces of the Kwen, their unity and resilience a beacon of hope in the chaos.