Chapter Forty-Four: Shadows in Istinjoln

The Touched’s final gift of reversed time allows Eliles, Ivin, and their companions to escape the Steaming Lakes ahead of their enemies, witnessing their past selves enter the fog as they climb out with Colok aid. Returning to Istinjoln, they find it eerily quiet, the Celestial Gate still active, and launch an assault to destroy it, with Eliles wielding the Sliver of Star’s fiery power against Taken and Shadows. Solineus kills the Broldun lord priest with the Twins, but Ulrikt’s voice tempts Eliles to surrender, countered by Dareun’s ghostly warning, leading her to unleash controlled flames for escape rather than total destruction. The group retreats, bloodied but alive, losing three Colok, and rides for Ervinhin with Tokodin, drunken and resentful, trailing behind, as Istinjoln burns but the Gate endures, leaving their mission unresolved and Ulrikt unchallenged.

EoS Chapter 43 — Freed from Darkness
EoS Chapter 45 — Crown and Moons

Eve of Snows — Full Chapter Listing