Traq and Everett play in the woods outside Averton. When bullies attack Everett, Traq's psychic powers manifest violently, throwing Remy through the air.

Thomas enters the desecrated chapel where the transformation ritual began seven hundred years ago. He encounters an eternally looping priest who endlessly delivers a warning too late to prevent the curse.

If you want to write a story about zombie dragons battling against demonic turtles for the fate of some distant planet called Averstine, you can and no one can stop you. This is your creation and you are only limited by your own imagination.

Gregory hides from soldiers in a hat shop, buys a hat, gets caught by the Captain, is dragged to an alley and beaten for information, then stabbed and left for dead

Weeks of skirmishes and patrols grind the squad down. They capture a Karthian prisoner named Edric, a seventeen-year-old conscript who reveals both sides believe the other worships demons. Cael has a private conversation with Edric realizing they're mirror images.

Gregory, Abigail, Mina, and Captain Thorne infiltrate the palace to rescue Bryce. Mina reveals the queen's wards are severing Bryce's network connection, prompting Gregory to observe Abigail's grief at the queen's maternal betrayal. They bypass magical defenses and enter the North Tower.

Administrator Richard Chen gives Wilson a comprehensive tour of Aurora Station's three buildings (Alpha, Beta, Gamma) connected by underground tunnels. Population is about 45 people with city amenities. Chen explains the six-month cycle and Sundown tradition.

At the ball, an elf named Thaelon crashes the Queen's gathering to plead for aid against a shadow plague. The Queen recognizes him as a kinslayer and has him removed despite his warnings.

Niccolo talks with Desiree about her abuse by Bishop Glasser, grappling with the Church's complicity. After target practice, Desiree reveals the bishop worked with someone called 'the collector,' whom Arthur identifies as Naomi Develon—a thief connected to the Church.