Chapter Eighteen

Summary

• The narrator reflects on pushing the magical wards to their sustainable limits to protect Navarre, accepting that not all citizens would be covered by this protection.
• Xaden visits the narrator, who is surprised and worried about his tired appearance.
• Xaden jokes about being called beautiful; the narrator is flustered but insists he needs to rest.
• The narrator struggles with conflicting feelings for Xaden, wanting to trust him but having to keep a distance.
• Xaden bathes and the narrator tries to focus on reading a book with important historical accounts.
• The narrator acknowledges her desire for Xaden and their romantic tension but is hesitant to confess her feelings.
• They subtly discuss classified information regarding Navarre's defenses; Xaden is concerned for the narrator's safety.
• The narrator insists she wants to help by discovering how to replicate the magical wards, believing someone must know the secret.
• An argument ensues over secrets and trust; the narrator resents Xaden's secrecy as she tries to uncover information for their shared cause.
• Their confrontation is interrupted by the narrator's friends, who invite her out, but the situation escalates with Xaden.
• The friends witness a heated exchange as the narrator rebuffs Xaden's attempts to control the situation.
• Xaden and the narrator continue their argument, with Xaden expressing frustration over the narrator's secretive research and perceived risks.
• The narrator defends her choices and accuses Xaden of lacking trust, further straining their relationship.
• As they head to the Archives, Xaden showcases his magical powers subtly, hinting at the intimate understanding he has with the narrator.
• The narrator reflects on her scribe father's reverence for the Archives, adding an emotional layer to her mission.
• They encounter Jesinia, the narrator's friend in the Archives, who lends them books on wards and ancient history.
• Xaden, who can sign, converses with Jesinia and observes her reaction to the narrator's questions, assessing her trustworthiness.
• The narrator loaned Jesinia a particularly sensitive book, which could have dangerous consequences, revealing her deep trust in her friend.
• The couple rehashes issues of trust, with Xaden angered by the potential risks the narrator took by sharing the book.
• The narrator stands by her decision, emphasizing the need for mutual trust.
• The argument heats up, with both parties accusing the other of not being open and trusting, leading Xaden to leave abruptly.
• The chapter concludes with the narrator waking up alone, filled with regret over their unresolved conflict, fearing for their safety in the war.