A Reaper at the Gates

Helene wakes up to see Laia in her room, humming. From the style of the room, Helene realizes they are somewhere in Delphinium. Noticing the blade at Laia’s waist, Helene reaches for her own blade, but Laia tells her that they did not drag Helene for miles for her to stab Laia later. Helene hears a baby’s cry and Laia assures her that the Emperor, baby Zacharius, and Livia are safe and well. When Harper enters, happy and relieved to see her, Helene realizes that he may have feelings for her. However, she maintains her official demeanor and asks for a report.

Harper reports that many Martials have fled Antium and now that Keris has been named Empress, she is moving the capital to Serra. Antium is under Karkaun rule, and the Karkauns have enslaved remaining Martials and Scholars. Quin Veturia, Gens Acquilla, and the Gens of Delphinium have pledged loyalty to Zacharius, and Keris has declared Zacharius an enemy of the Empire; anyone who supports him will be killed.

Helene feels uncomfortable without her mask, but Harper assures her, “Your face couldn’t be anything but beautiful, Blood Shrike. With or without the mask” (443).