After King Ramsey’s departure, Treow remained tense but calm for a week. Odessa settled into a routine: grueling daily combat training with Tillia (focused on practical tactics for smaller fighters), sketching and practicing whistling in her journal time, riding her horse Freya each afternoon, and quietly observing the encampment’s residents. Her attempts to glean information from pony riders failed, and she continued to dine with Brielle and Jocelyn, who tolerated their housing while hoping Zavier might move them closer.

Each night Odessa’s rope ladder disappeared after her bath and reappeared by dawn, indicating someone maintained her confinement while the Guardian was away. She wrestled with doubts about Zavier’s absence and the Guardian’s harsh control. A week passed without the Guardian until one morning, during training, Tillia noted Odessa’s distraction and ordered her to begin running daily laps around Treow to build stamina.

As Tillia indulged small talk about her husband Halston, training resumed. The Guardian arrived unexpectedly, teasing Odessa and reclaiming her instruction. He immediately pushed her, slapping her lightly to test her readiness; Odessa managed a partial block the second time, showing improvement. Their charged dynamic resurfaced as he needled her, and she tried to refocus on hostility rather than conflicted attraction.

The Guardian’s attention shifted when a little girl, Evangeline, appeared. He gently reprimanded her for skipping lessons with Luella, revealing a familiar, affectionate rapport. Before he could escort her back, hoofbeats and the entry whistle sounded; a group of rangers rode in, accompanied by Zavier.

Odessa followed the Guardian and Evangeline to the clearing as the group arrived. Zavier dismounted, expression controlled. Evangeline sprinted past the Guardian and launched herself into Zavier’s arms, crying “Papa!” Odessa was left stunned at the revelation that Zavier had a daughter.