The Witch Collector

Raina wakes in a tent, bound, and the Prince of the East greets her, forcing Rhonin to turn Raina to face him. She sees the three men she longs to kill: the prince, General Vexx, and Rhonin. The prince’s face still bears the infected wound Raina gave him. He informs her that they’ll soon be close allies, and Raina responds by spitting in his face. He grabs her, threatening to become her worst nightmare if she doesn’t comply with his wishes.

Overwhelmed, Raina begins to cry, haunted by the dreams she had while unconscious, visions of Nephele and Ophelia pleading for help. She spots a bound woman with blue eyes across the tent and recognizes her as Nephele. Rhonin helps Raina to her feet, but the prince blocks their path, demanding something in exchange for the sisters’ reunion. Raina wonders how he knows they’re related, given their lack of resemblance. He threatens to silence Nephele: If she speaks without permission or uses Elikesh, he’ll cut out her tongue.

The Prince offers Raina limited visits with Nephele in exchange for healing his soldiers and demonstrating her powers. Raina attempts to agree, but Nephele must remind them to free her hands so that she can sign.