Thomas explores the desecrated chapel where the blood moon ritual was performed. The sanctuary that should have protected against blasphemy has been corrupted by the curse. He encounters Father Dominic and learns about the chapel fall from grace.

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 attempts to escape from a dangerous situation.

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.

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.

Ten years after the deep. Five thousand in New Haven, ten thousand across twenty settlements. Cael at forty, gray and worn by responsibility. Harren urges him to rest and let the next generation lead. He visits Tomas grave and feels the ghost is finally at peace.

The legacy begins to unfold as characters discover what has been left to them - both physical inheritance and spiritual consequences.

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.