Arc I left us standing in the wreckage of Irrín, staring at poisoned earth and vanished warriors. There’s also a new breed of monsters that are spreading the rot. We’re also witnessing the weight of a missing true name. Now we step into Arc II with more questions than answers.

As we dive into Chapters 9–16, I’d love for you to read with me, react with me, and unpack the chaos in the comments. Tell me your theories, your favorite moments, your red flags, your heartbreaks, and your “oh no they didn’t” reactions. Pull up a chair, grab your drink of choice, and let’s step together into Arc II.

The quicksilver is whispering. Let’s see what it wants.

Chapter 9 — Hidden

Everlayne is still in… whatever this is. I’m calling it a coma. We’re reminded again that Saeris can’t be in the sun for very long. And honestly? I’m starting to wonder what that’s doing to her mentally. While she’s talking to Layne, the Quicksilver chimes in. It tells her that “she hears you; she feels you” and to “open the gate”. Layne is wearing earrings made of quicksilver — that’s why Saeris can hear it. Then Saeris does… something. I don’t know what the hell she did, but the quicksilver liquefied and touched Layne’s skin. Layne wakes up instantly, but the presence speaking is not Layne.

The voice says it’s been waiting centuries to speak to Saeris. Its name is Edina. Saeris recognizes the name but can’t place it. (Girl… really?) Edina is struggling to speak and tells Saeris to find a book in the library:

small
blue
thick
a butterfly
hidden among the stars.

She needs this book to stop the rot. Then Edina makes Saeris promise not to tell him about the book. And to make sure he knows how much she loved him and that she’d do it all again if she had to.

Tell me that’s not Kingfisher’s mom. I’m sorry, but the math is mathing.

Edina also says Saeris hasn’t sealed her runes and her magic is flowing nonstop. The runes are burning Saeris and causing her extreme pain. She’s screaming Edina’s name. And then Kingfisher crashes through the door and confirms it. Edina is his mother.

How Saeris couldn’t place the name? I’ll never know. Because I’m not fresh off of Quicksilver, I can’t remember if Edina’s name is ever mentioned. Hear me out. Let’s say it’s not mentioned explicitly in the book, and let’s venture into the land of headcanon, shall we? Edina left an entire wardrobe for Saeris. She drew her. Fisher knew that this was all for his future. Saeris and Fisher are not only mates, but they are godbound. HE HAD TO HAVE TOLD HER HIS MOTHER’S NAME. Saeris just lowkey pissed me off in this scene. Really? Where have I heard that name before? 🙄

Chapter 10 — Rot

I am calling it now: Carrion is the Gemini of this series. It just fits. IYKYK.

We’ve got a new mission: seal Saeris’s Alchemical Runes. A new place on the map: Nevercross, Iseabail’s seat of power. And the rot? It’s not just rotting the land anymore it’s infecting people and spreading like wildfire.

Think back to what Zareth told Saeris at the end of Quicksilver. Think about that rotting tree. We are seeing it unfold. Fisher’s convinced the gods have been meddling since the fall of the Daianthus royal line. At least a thousand-plus years ago and every time they stepped in, time warped.

Saeris’s law that prevents a full out attack will crumble like ash if the rot spreads to Ammontrieth. The infected don’t have to follow her law. You saw what 8 feeders did. Imagine the entire army and some more. The group might have to evacuate through the quicksilver to escape the rot. For that, Saeris needs to make relics for everyone, and she needs silver. Which is… not exactly abundant right now.

Carrion, my Gemini menace, suggests returning to Zilvaren for the metal and grabbing Hayden Fane with Fisher.

What I’m Watching For

Edina

Why hide the book from Fisher? I’m watching for the emotional fallout of that promise Saeris made to keep it a secret.

The Book

I’m watching for what’s inside that book and how it ties to the rot. I’m also hoping that it has Fisher’s name in it.

Saeris’s Unsealed Runes

The knowledge of Alchemy has been destroyed. How will she find out how to seal her runes?

The Rot’s Evolution

This is the big bad. How did Madra create it?

From the Desk of The Lady of Cahlish

Chapters 9 and 10 were wild. The rot is spreading fast. I’m obsessed with the butterfly book clue, terrified of the rot. I’m emotionally invested in Fisher finding out his true name. Now we’re heading toward Zilvaren. I wonder how Hayden Fane will take everything?

Tell me about your thoughts in the comments. Your theories, red flags, emotional damage, everything. I want to hear it all.

Brimstone Arc II

Chapters 9-16