Dire Bound

In the courtyard of the training center, Meryn finds the other recruits (now designated as Rawbonds) who are part of the Strategos pack. The center’s vast space and luxury make her feel alienated and lost. Izabel explains that the four packs all have specific roles: Strategos are considered the “leaders,” Kryptos (which now counts Venna as a member) are “spies,” Phylax are “guardians,” and Daemos are “warriors.” Meryn, meanwhile, can’t help wondering how she might escape to go to the front. They’re taken to their new living quarters and given a tour of the castle and common rooms. Egith, the Strategos pack’s Beta, explains that the direwolves stay on the mountainside. As Meryn settles in, she’s disgusted by the opulence provided to and expected by Rawbonds and the Bonded. That night, she has a nightmare of a voice chanting “Lumina,” a name that her mother uttered when her mental state worsened.

Meryn wakes with a start from her nightmare. Izabel hurries her to get ready, emphasizing that looks matter in the castle. During breakfast, Meryn meets an old friend of Izabel and Venna, Tomison Thorne, and befriends him. Egith shows them through the castle, pointing out training areas, and on the way, Meryn notes passages and servants’ entries.