The Long Night

Before leaving Solebreuve, Moreau speaks with Via. She speaks about Via and her ability to bring the siblings together under tough circumstances, noting that she might be the only one in the family who could do it. Moreau promises her house will support Via for the throne, or whoever Via believes will be worthy. Via thanks her and embraces her before departing.

On the road, Marik speaks with Eros, questioning him about what exactly he sensed on Marik. After some pushing, he opens up about sensing the curse on Marik and realizing it as a call to the sea. He encourages Marik to try and embrace this connection to the sea and master it instead of being consumed by it. He speaks of a shrine and hidden city to the north that Marik should try to find one day. Rumor has it that Marik's great grandfather made his way there in his younger days.

Via speaks to the siblings about Raphael, and mentions that she considered using Raphael to try and sever Poppy and Isadora's connection to the draconic pact. She knows it's a bad idea but wants to be honest with her siblings about trying to find a solution for her friends, even willing to end their lives if it will save them from a worse fate. While it puts the group in a somber mood, each sibling seems keen to try to help Via as best they can.

Marik apologizes to Via for his behavior the other day. Via quickly forgives him but questions why he and Xanthe don't get along. Marik opens up about his frustration with Xanthe, claiming that she's never given him a kind word nor thanked him for his current contributions. Via notes that Xanthe has a hard time opening up, especially with the future of the heir and the throne still unknown. She encourages Marik to perhaps be a little more open-minded with Xanthe, should he wish.

Cailynn and Xanthe speak as Cailynn tries to offer support. They speak about Mephisto and Xanthe remarks about how Mephisto seems almost professional in his demeanor, worrying her.

Xanthe acknowledges that his words ring true to her, believing that he is more worried about his investments and what could become of them, even if he doesn't really care about Ederia as a whole. Caiylnn tries to press Xanthe on how she's feeling, but finds herself unable to get through "Xanthe's walls". She encourages Xanthe to open up, insisting that she'll be embraced by those she opens up to.

Edwinn speaks to Marik about his curse, having overheard part of the conversation earlier. He offers to try and remove Marik's curse, though warns him it might anger the being attached to it. Marik agrees to try it. He also opens up to Edwinn about turning down the knighthood, fearing that he will not represent Ederia well as he has already pushed his honor aside on multiple occasions to help Edwinn with Davian in particular. Edwinn reminds Marik that he has faced his challenges with justice in his heart, and reminds him that all knights are human and flawed.

Later that night, Edwinn attempts to remove the curse but is ultimately unsuccessful. When Edwinn tries he is pulled seemingly away and sees a dark city under the water. Before he can see anything concrete, the vision of Pelor appears to him and helps him to leave, warning him to never return to this place. Edwinn returns safely to his siblings, though vomits several gallons of seawater.

Frustrated, Marik decides to visit Via and asks her to use her gift to see his future. Upon looking, she sees the image of a dragon and rider facing against two dragons, a dragon lashing out at someone with a broken crown on the floor, and finally an image of Marik being knighted next to a scaled creature. Marik appreciates Via's magic, feeling that it is a hopeful sign of victory against the cult, even if it comes at great personal cost. Via encourages Marik to try to get out of his own head, reassuring him that he has been doing great on this journey.

Cailynn goes to Marik and asks for his help in training how to use Roquette's rapier. Marik instructs her as best he can, while Cailynn checks in on Marik. The two share more about themselves, with Marik explaining to Cailynn why he needs space to gather his thoughts and can't be rushed to open up about everything he is feeling. The two seem to come to an understanding as their training continues.

After a long journey, the heirs arrive outside of the scorched sepulcher, ready to dive in and hopefully beat the cult to their prize.