Chapter Sixty-Six

Summary

• Lieutenant Colonel Nolon Colbersy informs General Lilith Sorrengail they have unsuccessfully attempted all known methods to find a cure and can only control the situation.
• Xaden feels utterly overpowered and trapped above the battlefield, with his own magical abilities turned against him by The Sage.
• The Sage taunts Xaden for nearing magical burnout and explains that magic seeks balance, punishing its overuse with self-consumption.
• Xaden struggles against the magical bonds The Sage has imposed on him, reflecting on those he feels he's failed, especially the women in his life.
• The Sage offers Xaden one final chance to make the "right choice," indicating a possible turn or betrayal.
• As Xaden tries to gather his strength, he senses Violet is in danger and might sacrifice herself to save him, leading to feelings of fear and deja vu from a past event.
• Despite his helplessness, Xaden discovers a new source of immense power beneath him, which Sgaeyl reacts to with alarm.
• Following this intense experience, Xaden wakes up next to Violet, relieved but also resolved that he's about to cause her great pain.
• Xaden silently leaves the bed, preparing himself for a difficult path ahead and navigates his way to the holding cells of Basgiath.
• Sgaeyl, the power source, remains silent which is unusual post-battle, as Xaden uses shadows to stealthily avoid notice.
• Arriving at Jack Barlowe's cell, Xaden confronts him about a cure for what ails them both, hinting at a shared unwanted power or affliction.
• Jack Barlowe explains that what they possess is not a disease but a form of power that cannot be cured, and suggests that Xaden has become hungry for more of it.
• Xaden resists this idea, but Jack implies that Xaden has inadvertently embraced this dark power, making them akin to brothers in misfortune.