The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King

In a flashback, a newly Turned Raihn endures decades of mistreatment. He clings to the tenderness he receives from Nessanyn. Neculai becomes more fearful of the rising rebellion and doubles down on his oppressive rule. Raihn attends the first-ever Kejari at Neculai’s side.

Oraya races to get Raihn inside before the sun fully rises. The human who runs Raihn’s apartment building is kind enough to help. Once safely inside his apartment, Raihn begins rapidly healing. Raihn gifts Oraya Vincent’s memorabilia from around the time of Oraya’s birth which he found while renovating the castle. The collection contains a drawing of Oraya’s mother Alana, her necklace, and a letter addressed to a woman named Alya in Vartana. Raihn gives Oraya a large sum of money to flee the continent and never return, which she fiercely rejects.

Raihn and Oraya give in to their desire for one another and make love for the first time in months.