Chapter 54

The group settles into a tree refuge in Bhoggith. The protagonist grapples with unspoken feelings for Kaan while keeping secrets about a blood bind and an assassination mission. Roan reveals he needs a full cycle to build a device to locate a blocked target, creating time pressure. The protagonist notices Cadok's forces systematically raiding dragon nests for blood, and identifies a specific clutch they must protect.

The chapter opens in a tree refuge where the protagonist unpacks supplies while observing the group: Kaan preparing food, Pyrok rummaging for clothes upstairs, and Roan crafting at a table. The protagonist experiences a sudden realization of love for Kaan but hides physical injuries from an encounter with Sereme. When Kaan notices her altered posture, Pyrok's arrival provides escape. Roan explains he is building a parchment lark cage—a device to render a blocker useless so they can locate their blocked target—but estimates it will take a full cycle, possibly two. This timeline troubles the protagonist, who must complete an assassination and return within that window. From the tree's windows, the protagonist observes the bog landscape and learns from Kaan that Cadok's forces systematically ground bonded Moltenmaw dragons, harvesting their blood while leaving females unprotected during hunts. Kaan recites a clan saying about honorable exchange. The protagonist's Other consciousness stirs as she surveys the nests, and she identifies a distant, isolated mound as their target—one that appears to hold a clutch of critical importance.