24. The Storm — And the Calm

In the dark of night, Cassie finds Diana and Pat flanking her bed. 

Pat admits to freeing Diana and confides her plan to steal Reis’ hopper and return to America.  She pleads with Cassie to lay flowers at her grave.  Diana cheers the impending victory of the Squid God, calling Cassie’s attention to the rising wind.  The women lead Cassie outside to witness a growing storm before vanishing into the gale.

A gust blows in the windows and the power winks out in the palace.  Strapping a gun to her thigh, Cassie flees deeper into the building.  She encounters Hiapo, who orders the high queen into the custody of two island women.  Together, they escort Cassie through a tunnel cut into the mountain.  Hysterical, Cassie shouts over the howling storm.

Entering a chamber filled with many islanders, Hiapo transfers Cassie to Kanoa.  Despite promising her safety, Kanoa pins Cassie against a stone throne and seals her mouth with tape.  Kanoa addresses his kinsman, offering the high king as a sacrifice to the Squid God to end the typhoon.  Reis is forced to the dais, where he professes his love for Cassie and Rian and tells of the Storm King’s battle against the American government.

Reis attempts to disappear but is restrained.  Kanoa forces the high queen’s head to nod, condemning the high king to death.  Reis is bludgeoned, and Cassie is freed.  Declining his marriage proposal, Cassie shoots Kanoa.  

A pack of winged creatures pluck Cassie from danger and deposit her on a faraway island.  There she finds a stream of fresh water and forages for food.  Recognizing the beach she walked with Reis, Cassie locates the coral buildings and reflects on her love lost.