Chapter 27

Summary

• The protagonist lies awake, troubled by thoughts of Tamlin's anger and acts of violence earlier in the evening.
• She avoids dinner and painting, overwhelmed by the tension in the house and anxiety about the threats posed by a character named Amarantha.
• Tamlin enters her room, apologizing for his behavior, acknowledging that it's not fine, and reveals his plan to send her home to ensure her safety.
• The protagonist is taken aback by Tamlin's decision, especially after he mentions taking responsibility for a previous death that brought her to him.
• Tamlin expresses his fear that he can't protect her from the dangerous elements in their world, particularly the ominous figure Amarantha.
• The protagonist debates with Tamlin, wanting to stay, but he vehemently insists she must go home for her own safety.
• Tamlin and the protagonist argue over her leaving, with the protagonist questioning her worth to him and her desire to help.
• In a moment of intimate tension, the protagonist convinces Tamlin to make love to her, in an attempt to suspend the impending separation.
• They share a passionate and desperate encounter, culminating in a physical connection that serves as a temporary escape from their troubles.
• Post-intimacy, they discuss her imminent departure, which Tamlin insists must be at dawn.
• Tamlin seeks to leave the bed to allow her rest, but at her request, he stays and they fall asleep together.
• The protagonist reflects on the idea of home and how much she has come to see Tamlin's place as her own.
• As she drifts into sleep, Tamlin whispers, "I love you, thorns and all," which she initially believes to be a dream.
• She wakes to find Tamlin gone and her departure looming, reinforcing the pain of their separation.