Chapter 87

The narrator desperately tries to save the dying Kyzari while imprisoned, receiving a message from Kaan. A mysterious miskunn named Uno appears, kills the guard, and frees them from their cells. As they flee through the tunnels with Kyzari's failing body, a Fate Herder emerges and inexplicably shows tenderness toward Kyzari before herding them toward escape.

The narrator pounds against their cell bars in anguish, believing Kyzari is dying from the effects of the diadem. A parchment lark arrives carrying a message from Kaan, apologizing for their last conversation and asking Kyzari's whereabouts. The narrator realizes Kaan doesn't yet know Kyzari is his daughter and worries Arkyn is using this knowledge as torture. Kyzari's labored, rattling breaths confirm her imminent death. A small miskunn named Uno suddenly appears, having killed the guard, and uses keys to free the narrator from their cell and shackles. Uno refuses to remove Kyzari's iron shackle, claiming it necessary for survival, and reveals that "Moonfall" is coming soon and will bring death. The narrator carries Kyzari through dark, winding tunnels, following Uno. At a fork, a massive adolescent Sabersythe—a Fate Herder—emerges from the darkness. Though initially threatening, it inexplicably whines, licks Kyzari's face with gentleness, and then shifts into a commanding stance, herding them forcefully down the right tunnel.