One Dark Window

Ravyn leads Elspeth to the castle ruins’ chamber, and as they enter, she realizes this is the room of her dreams. At its center is a stone, the center of which Ravyn transforms into clear water by applying infected blood; the team’s inactive Cards are kept in the water. The Nightmare explains offering blood is how the Spirit would bargain, and the chamber is an altar to her built by the Shepherd King. When Elspeth notices the flickering of Card colors at Ravyn’s touch, he explains he was infected at 13: Hauth reported his infection—which explains their longstanding hostility—but the Rowan King wanted to weaponize his near-immunity to Card magic. Ravyn reveals that every year, he loses the ability to use and be affected by one of the Card variants, intimating that if his infection is not cured within three years, he will lose the ability to use all Cards.

When Ravyn speaks of Hauth’s betrayal, Elspeth questions his loyalty to Elm, considering he, too, is a Rowan. He explains Elm sees the Yews as his true family, since they are relatives through Morette Yew, and he has been mistreated by his father and brother. Elspeth attempts to open the stone with Ravyn’s guidance, and their proximity leads to a kiss.