Chapter 14

Raeve uses a magical melody to part the lake's waters and hold back a dangerous creature called an anthe while Kaan rescues a prisoner from the flooded depths. As the anthe breaks free and attacks Raeve, Kaan charges back to save her, and their combined effort allows them to escape through the cavern exit with the prisoner.

Raeve channels Rayne's melody to part the lake, exposing a bed of bones beneath. She forces the water into a cage around the anthe to prevent it from reaching Kaan, who is rescuing a prisoner drowning in the shallows below. Pyrok helps haul the prisoner to safety as Kaan begins descending again; Raeve uses magic to create a wave that forces him toward the exit instead. The anthe wounds itself free from Rayne's water cage, and Raeve struggles to maintain control while backstepping through the bone-littered floor. When the creature slashes her cheekbone, something primal awakens in Raeve—a fierce protective rage for Kaan. She locks eyes with the anthe and emits a guttural, inhuman scream that shatters the pier columns behind her. Kaan pulls her up and away, wrapping around her with protective force. He threatens to sever every limb from the anthe's body if it touches Raeve again, and she surrenders to his retreat. They escape toward the dragon-mouth exit as the tethered anthe pursues, her eyes still fixed on them.