Alchemised

Helena wakes up next to Kaine. She feels afraid of how much Kaine means to her. Kaine wakes up, and they discuss their relationship and everything Helena has learned about the war, including the information about the Stone of the Heavens. She used its amulet to heal Kaine, but the relic’s talisman is missing. Their conversation turns intimate. They promise to protect each other.

Kaine shepherds Helena back to headquarters on his chimaera, Amaris. There, Helena meets with Jan and Ilva. They threaten to bar her from headquarters if she doesn’t continue liaising with Kaine on their behalf. Then they task her with returning to the prison to speak with Wagner about how Morrough and the Undying are using their prisoners. Together, Jan and Helena determine from Wagner that Morrough is indeed using the Undying to garner more power.

Later, Helena learns from an orderly named Penny that Lila has to go before the Council “for compromising Luc’s safety” (687). She also questions Helena about her use of necromancy with Soren.

Over the following days, Helena tries to heal Lila so her resonance returns, but she is not successful. A discouraged Helena misses Kaine.