The Lost Heir

In the palace, Tsunami becomes self-conscious before the SeaWing court. Riptide explains that the palace was created with animus magic and that a NightWing—possibly Morrowseer—recently visited. Tsunami sees two thrones and wonders if one of them is for her. Queen Coral arrives, accompanied by another dragon who is harnessed to the queen—Tsunami’s younger sister, Anemone.

Tsunami processes Anemone’s existence and how it might affect her homecoming. She envies Anemone’s perceived life of love and luxury. Queen Coral is alarmed at the motley crew of the dragonets of destiny. While she welcomes Tsunami, quoting The Missing Princess, the queen orders the other dragonets imprisoned. She promises dreadful punishment for Webs. Tsunami tries to convince herself that there is nothing ominous about this.

Initially, Tsunami glories in Coral’s affections as she shares her misery with the Talons of Peace and ignorance of Aquatic. Anemone is interested but can only study SeaWing court politics. Tsunami learns that Riptide is Webs’s son; he lied to her about significant information during their introduction. Coral deems him an outcast, further muddling Tsunami’s feelings about him.