In the Veins of the Drowning

Imogen discovers the Mage Seer is a Siren; Theo states that if a Mage Seer has any Gods’ power, they can amplify it with magic spell work. While there is no cost for Gods’ power, which is natural and can be used with limits, there is a steep cost for additional or unnatural magic. Imogen attempts to enter the hut alone to spare Theo the additional trauma, but he pounds against the door in protest. Upon seeing the Mage Seer, Rohana, who is gaunt, jaundiced, and monstrous, Imogen allows him inside. They offer their blood and are given a vial of black liquid to drink, which intoxicates them. Theo is knocked unconscious so Rohana can exact her payment—a piece of flesh and a piece of hair pulled out at the root. Imogen pays with her own flesh and hair instead.

Rohana gives Imogen a prophecy foretelling a crown ripped from the head, a bond cut from the blood, a queen drained of her divinity, and a king “wrecked and ravaged beneath her wing” (212). The contents of the prophecy will bring death and destruction to the kingdoms. Imogen assumes she is the queen drained of power, Theo the king ruined because of her, and that together they will bring devastation.