Chapter 19

The protagonist and her companions flee the Citadel with an injured Kaan, fighting off Tri-Councilors, Bothaimian guards, and attacking dragons. Kaan awakens in his dragon form—merged with Rygun—and intervenes to save them, revealing he will not abandon his dragon despite the overwhelming odds.

After Kaan collapses, the protagonist experiences a surge of rage and commands the others to flee with him. As they escape through the city's alleyways, a Tri-Councilor conjures a wind vortex that the protagonist repels using Clode, her wind magic, though the Councilor proves formidable enough to challenge her control. Moltenmaws hunt them from above, forcing multiple evasions. When a red Moltenmaw and its rider attempt to incinerate them, the protagonist uses Clode to shield her companions from dragonfire, bearing the full brunt herself and revealing rune-marked scars across her hands and forearms. Bothaimian guards then close in; the protagonist kills two with thrown daggers but is hit by iron pins meant for her. Kaan's body suddenly awakens, the alleyway walls crushing the approaching guards. The protagonist realizes Kaan and his dragon Rygun have merged—his eyes blazing with Sabersythe flame, skin cracking with molten light. When Kaan shields her from pins intended for her, an ancient force stirs within the protagonist. Rygun then arrives and attacks the pursuing Moltenmaw, driving it away. Kaan, despite being iron-pinned, declares they must reach Rygun before more dragons arrive, stating he will not leave without his dragon.