Odessa admits the Guardian knows her father ordered her to kill him. She presses him about Lyssa’s effects; he says it heightens natural abilities, making him faster and stronger, but also more monstrous, eroding his self-control. He recalls being bitten four years earlier, suffering a fever, then gradually developing enhanced senses and healing, along with a dangerous bloodlust that is growing harder to control.

They discuss recent attacks: the grizzur that ignored fire and the cunning bariwolves may have been Lyssa-infected, and the Guardian regrets not tracking the pack that attacked Ashmore. He says the Voster and Zavier began investigating after his bite. No one knows Lyssa’s origin; theories include a curse from the Six or a mutation. He insists there is no cure despite Voster attempts, and the priority is containment by eliminating infected beasts.

The Guardian explains there are only three hunting parties due to limited forces and the need to defend settlements. He refuses to involve King Ramsey’s army. Lyssa has reached the Krisenth and even the coast at Perris via marroweels, possibly infected by grizzur near shore. He warns that if crux monsters become infected, the devastation and spread could be catastrophic. All kings know of Lyssa but treat it as Turah’s problem; the Turan king keeps it secret from most citizens to avoid panic, believing infected monsters are no worse.

When Odessa asks why he told her his secret, the Guardian seems ready to reveal more, but screams interrupt. Two young soldiers report a tarkin attack and multiple deaths; it may be heading to Treow. The Guardian places Evangeline on Odessa’s horse, orders the soldiers to guard their flanks, and leads them to Odessa’s treehouse as a safe perch before riding toward the fight.

From the treehouse, Odessa spots a tarkin prowling below, its back armored with red-orange scales. After it slips from sight, a girl and a younger boy approach Odessa’s ladder. A snapped twig and wind shift alert the tarkin, which charges. Odessa carries the boy and urges the girl up, but the beast repeatedly strikes the ladder, spinning it until one side’s hook snaps and Odessa and the boy crash to the ground.

With no escape and the tarkin poised to kill, Odessa shields the boy with her body. At the last moment, the Guardian arrives, kills the tarkin, and checks Odessa frantically before rushing back toward the broader battle. The children’s mother arrives, thanking them through tears, and the tarkin’s blood oozing around the Guardian’s embedded sword is dark green, confirming Lyssa infection.

As Odessa steadies herself, she senses eyes on her and turns to find the Voster High Priest watching, his appearance adding unease to the aftermath. She reflects grimly that she is surrounded by monsters of many kinds.