Chapter 22

Kaan and Raeve arrive at Beluhn, a hidden dragon-rearing village nestled between mountains, where they meet Siharna Farjór, the Chieftess and Kaan's cousin. Despite Kaan's injuries from the pins, they find sanctuary and learn that help is coming via the Moonplume (Líri).

Flying west through a storm, Kaan and Raeve travel with the dragon group toward safety. Raeve struggles with unspoken feelings about Kaan's sacrifice during their escape, noticing his body held together by his dragon Rygun's connection. They cross into territory near the border between The Burn and The Fade, where wild Moltenmaws roam. A female rider on a gilded Moltenmaw signals them to follow, diving through clouds to reveal the village of Beluhn—a vibrant, colorful settlement carved into mountainsides with hundreds of peaked homes and burrows housing adolescent dragons. The mysterious rider is revealed to be Siharna Farjór, Chieftess of Beluhn and Kaan's cousin. She bears a striking resemblance to Veya, though pregnant and with moss-green eyes instead. When Raeve introduces herself by name alone, Siharna reacts with visible surprise, noting she has heard that name only twice before. Kaan deflects her questions about Raeve's full identity. They meet Korie, Kaan's young cousin, whom he embraces despite his injuries giving way. Siharna quickly discovers Kaan is wounded—stabbed with pins—and scolds him for lying about his condition, refusing to coddle the child as a consequence. Kaan reveals the Tri-Council now hunts him, making him a liability. Raeve impulsively declares they will have to get through her first, drawing startled attention from both Kaan and Siharna. Siharna welcomes them both as guests, mentioning the Moonplume (Líri) is coming, and insists they stay at the family roost rather than the hutchkeeper's hut. The chapter ends with Raeve confident in their safety under the Chieftess's protection.