Chapter 4: Paedyn
Contains spoilersOverview
After bathing, Paedyn Gray confronts Lenny outside Blair’s guarded room, intent on avenging Adena’s death. Lenny, acting under King Kitt Azer’s orders, blocks her and persuades her not to act rashly, reminding her of her new status as the king’s betrothed. The confrontation turns emotional as Paedyn admits fear and grief, and Lenny reveals he returned to the castle to help her, Calum, and Ilya from within. They end with a strained levity, reaffirming their bond and shared goals.
Summary
Fresh from a scouring bath, Paedyn Gray storms through the corridor after Ellie informs her of a development: Blair is nearby but under protection. Paedyn heads straight for a guarded door and finds Lenny stationed there, half masked in Imperial uniform, his relief at seeing her alive clear.
Paedyn shoves Lenny against the wall and demands entry, making it clear she intends to kill Blair for Adena’s death during the final Trial. Lenny refuses to move, citing strict orders from King Kitt Azer not to let Paedyn see Blair. He notes Kitt anticipated Paedyn’s desire for vengeance and placed Lenny—whom Paedyn cares for—as Blair’s guard to stop her.
As Paedyn insists she has long resolved to kill Blair, Lenny reminds her that circumstances have changed now that she is betrothed to the king; she cannot simply kill people anymore. Hurt, Paedyn protests that she never wanted to kill anyone except in self-defense and holds Blair responsible for what she has become. Lenny steadies her, offers comfort, and reiterates he cannot allow her to act on revenge while on duty.
Paedyn admits she is scared. Lenny reassures her and explains why he returned: his mother, Finn, and Leena are safe in Dor, and they all convinced him he would be more useful at the castle. Because he was never marked as a Resistance member and never entered the Bowl, and with Calum’s favor at court, Lenny was able to slip back into Imperial ranks without suspicion.
Lenny pledges to help Paedyn, Ilya, and Calum however he can from within. Paedyn expresses relief he is back and jokes she might need him to force her down the aisle. Lenny acknowledges the hardship of her engagement but frames it as a near path to the freedom the Resistance has fought for, adding that he feared he might never see her again.
The tense moment softens as Paedyn admits she had the same fear. They share a brief laugh over Lenny’s old nickname for her—"a cockroach"—highlighting Paedyn’s unlikely survival through repeated peril, even as the unresolved threat of Blair and the political constraints remain.
Who Appears
- Paedyn Gray
Ordinary and Kitt’s betrothed; attempts to reach Blair to avenge Adena, admits fear, chooses restraint under Lenny’s block.
- Lenny
Imperial soldier and ally; newly returned to the castle with Calum’s cover; assigned by Kitt to guard Blair and prevent Paedyn from reaching her; pledges to help Paedyn, Ilya, and Calum.
- King Kitt Azer
King of Ilya; off-page but issues orders preventing Paedyn from seeing Blair and strategically assigns Lenny as guard.
- Blair
Imperial; off-page but present behind the guarded door; responsible for Adena’s death during the final Trial; target of Paedyn’s vengeance.
- Ellie
Paedyn’s lady’s maid; off-page here, but informs Paedyn and attempts to stay out of her way.
- Calum
Advisor in Kitt’s good graces; off-page but facilitates Lenny’s unobtrusive return to Imperial ranks.
- Finn and Leena
Allies; off-page, reported safe and staying with Lenny’s mother in Dor.
- Lenny’s mother
Off-page; caring for Finn and Leena and safe in Dor.
- Adena
Paedyn’s friend; deceased, killed by Blair during the final Trial; her death motivates Paedyn’s quest for vengeance.