Summary

In Chapter 24, Deka’s friends encourage her to get rid of the strange shapeshifter, Ixa, who might be dangerous. But Deka can speak with Ixa, and she loves him. She shows him to White Hands, who agrees to let Deka keep him. Deka tells Keita about Ixa. Keita says there are rumors that White Hands breeds monsters for the emperor.

In Chapter 25, Deka and her unit spend the next few months killing deathshrieks and earning a positive reputation. Finally, the emperor invites them to see him so he can congratulate them personally. He tells them they have earned the honor of riding beside him. Deka learns that White Hands is the cousin of the emperor. She also learns it was White Hands’ idea to start the alaki army.

In Chapter 26, Deka goes out with her unit. They are ambushed by deathshrieks wearing helmets...