At the start of Chapter Eleven, Kira asks Aris to chop off her hair. Would you also decide to just let someone chop your hair with a knife?
Kira confronts Zane about his reason for joining the Questral. He first gives a half-truth before giving the full answer. Why do you think he feels the need to prove himself?
“I’ve – I’ve never been chosen by anyone. Or anything. This – this blade chose me. I can’t leave it behind”. – 118
Kira stops the boat when she loses her hold on her sword. What do you think of this moment? Would you have done the same?
Did you expect Kira to be the first to drop out of the group?
At the Beast Tree, Aris and Zane realise they are not alone. Other challengers are there. The two of them start the climb up and are met with cute but deadly creatures. Zane, to save himself and to prevent Aris from letting go, drops his axe. Despite the situation, do you think this was a good idea?
What do you think is Zane’s other reason for competing in the quest?
Why do you think that even Aris’s dragon came from the ground? Do you think there’s a particular reason why?
What do you think of Aris’s new dragon companion?
Do you think Zane found his own dragon too?
What do you make of Cadoc constantly chasing Aris down?
While running from Cadoc, Aris hides herself away in a cave only to find herself face to face with Harlan. Did you think that they would start working together so early in the journey?
Did you also think for a moment that Harlan would help Aris swim?
What do you think of Aris and Harlan’s travels together so far? Why do you think Harlan is so antagonistic towards Aris?
Who do you think is the man Aris encounters in the cave while bathing? Who do you think are the other stolen brides?
13 responses to “Starside Day Three”
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If the need arose, yes. That hair would be coming off for practicality. (but with slight hesitation)
He’s from a Great House which everyone already makes assumptions about. Adding to that we learnt that he has four older brothers who he’s probably had to compete with in some capacity. Being the youngest may mean he’s not taken seriously either and his concerns about the suffering of his people being inevitable is valid.
To this point, we’ve been told that you only get one sword and if you lose it, it’s basically like losing your life. She has no other weapon and she needs to win the Questral for her sister. It’s understandable that she would want to get the sword back. Especially when it was a sword that chose her for a reason. Would I do the same given what’s on the line for her? Probably.
Yes and no? I didn’t expect her to drop out, and maybe I expected her to not make it through but I definitely didn’t expect for what happened to happen this early on in the book.
Zane had no choice but to drop his axe but we can see him debating it. He knows that the axe is ensures further survival and he needs it going forward. It was either die and drop it or drop it and die trying to get a creature and get the axe back. It was a tough situation and they had seconds to decide.
I’m not sure of what his other reason is for competing. We haven’t really learnt that much about him yet but I’m curious to find out.
There has to be a particular reason, especially as it’s mentioned in the text that both her sword and dragon came from below. It can’t be a coincidence?
I loved her dragon for the short time that we saw her. I didn’t realise that Starside would have dragons in it. It was another heartwarming moment in the book that took us away from the brutality for a bit. Also, the eating of the rubies was a unique touch.
I hope that Zane found his own dragon and that he and Aris reconnect.
Cadoc wants her sword. She’s also bested him a few times now which has more than likely wounded his ego. I’m over him – his dragon just needs to drop him now.
My thoughts were that they’d meet again at the midway mark because they always manage to cross paths.. So just like with Kira leaving and getting separated from Zane – I didn’t expect the trio to disband so early in the book. It makes me curious for what’s going to happen the next 60% or so.
No. I didn’t think he would help her – I would have been surprised if he did. A little part of me wants to feel hopeful (as he’s the love interest?) that it’s his way of pushing her because he knows that she’s more capable that even she realises and he wants her to start learning that. Tough love.
Similar to my response above but I also think there’s more we still need to learn – even the reveal of his face. It does seems to me that he remembers their previous encounter and he knows who (or what) she is. Maybe his antagonistic attitude is to protect them both (sigh, men.).
I wondered if the other stolen brides were likely previous contestants in the Questral?
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Q: At the start of Chapter Eleven, Kira asks Aris to chop off her hair. Would you also decide to just let someone chop your hair with a knife?
A: No, I love my hair too much! I would have asked Aris to braid it like hers.Q: Kira confronts Zane about his reason for joining the Questral. He first gives a half-truth before giving the full answer. Why do you think he feels the need to prove himself?
A: He’s never been put first in his life due to having older, more important siblings. So I imagine this is his way to show his worth to his people.Q: Kira stops the boat when she loses her hold on her sword. What do you think of this moment? Would you have done the same?
A: Yes. Not only would she be defenseless without it but she feels a kinship with the sword for choosing her. Also, I don’t know why it didn’t cross my mind that the ship can follow their demands like that!Q: Did you expect Kira to be the first to drop out of the group?
A: No! I expected them to be a trio for much longer than what they ended up being. I’m sure she’ll come back though.Q: At the Beast Tree, Aris and Zane realise they are not alone. Other challengers are there. The two of them start the climb up and are met with cute but deadly creatures. Zane, to save himself and to prevent Aris from letting go, drops his axe. Despite the situation, do you think this was a good idea?
A: It was that or he would have died so I don’t see how he could have done anything differently.Q: What do you think is Zane’s other reason for competing in the quest?
A: Maybe he wants to be immortal, or maybe break out of his family.Q: Why do you think that even Aris’s dragon came from the ground? Do you think there’s a particular reason why?
A: It must be to match her sword – can’t wait to learn more about this!Q: What do you think of Aris’s new dragon companion?
A: I LOVE HER! We need a name for this literal jewel of a dragon.Q: Do you think Zane found his own dragon too?
A: I forgot what it’s called but he probably found one of the creatures that he recognized.Q: What do you make of Cadoc constantly chasing Aris down?
A: Why is he so obsessed with her? He must see that there is competition within her.Q: While running from Cadoc, Aris hides herself away in a cave only to find herself face to face with Harlan. Did you think that they would start working together so early in the journey?
A: Are they really working together though? It feels like they are co-existing much to Harlan’s disgust.Q: Did you also think for a moment that Harlan would help Aris swim?
A: Yes but I was wrong to hope. I still have hope that he will let down his guard.Q: What do you think of Aris and Harlan’s travels together so far? Why do you think Harlan is so antagonistic towards Aris?
A: He is infuriating. I don’t understand why he’s so horrible towards her.Q: Who do you think is the man Aris encounters in the cave while bathing? Who do you think are the other stolen brides?
A: I would love to know, that was so eerie! -
That moment with Kira asking Aris to cut her hair feels intense because it is less about the hair and more about survival and trust. Letting someone take a knife to you requires a level of surrender that most people would hesitate over. I do not think I would agree so quickly unless I fully believed it was necessary, but in their situation it shows how fast fear and urgency can override hesitation. It also quietly shows how much Aris is willing to adapt and let go of control.
Zane giving a half truth before revealing the real reason feels very human. Wanting to prove himself likely comes from a place of not feeling chosen or valued before. When he says the blade chose him, it reveals how deeply that validation matters to him. It is not just about winning the quest but about finally feeling worthy of something powerful and meaningful.
Kira stopping the boat when she loses her sword is such a telling moment. It shows how attached she is to that weapon, almost like it defines her place in the challenge. I think many people would panic and react similarly, especially if the weapon represents safety or identity. It also foreshadows how dangerous that attachment can be.
I did not fully expect Kira to be the first to drop out, but looking back it makes sense. She feels slightly more fragile emotionally, and the pressure of the quest seems to weigh on her differently than it does on the others.
At the Beast Tree, Zane dropping his axe feels reckless but also instinctive. In that split second he chooses survival and keeping Aris steady over holding onto a weapon. It is risky, but it also shows growth because he prioritizes something other than power. It is not the smartest move long term, but in the moment it feels right.
Zane’s other reason for competing likely ties back to identity and belonging. There is a sense that he wants to prove something not just to others but to himself, maybe even to rewrite how he sees his own worth.
Aris’s dragon coming from the ground feels symbolic. It suggests something ancient and rooted, like her power is connected to the world itself rather than something distant or unreachable. It could also hint that her strength comes from within or from something buried deep in her past.
Her new dragon companion feels like a turning point. It adds a sense of wonder but also responsibility. The bond between them feels important, like it will shape her decisions moving forward.
I do think Zane likely found his own dragon as well, especially given the pattern of the quest rewarding those who push forward. It would mirror Aris in an interesting way while still allowing their journeys to differ.
Cadoc constantly chasing Aris adds tension and makes everything feel more urgent. It gives the sense that she is not just fighting the environment but being actively hunted, which raises the stakes significantly.
Aris running into Harlan in the cave was surprising because it happens earlier than expected. Their dynamic is already charged, so forcing them together so soon creates immediate tension. For a moment it does feel like he might help her in the water, but his character does not quite allow for that kind of straightforward kindness yet.
Their travels together are fascinating because they are built on distrust and reluctant proximity. Harlan’s antagonism likely comes from his own guarded nature and possibly seeing Aris as either a threat or a complication he does not want to deal with. There is also the sense that he understands more than he lets on.
The man Aris encounters in the cave while bathing feels like someone important, possibly connected to the deeper mysteries of the quest or the stolen brides. The brides themselves seem like they are part of a larger hidden system, not just random victims. It feels like their existence will tie into the truth behind the challenge and what it is really meant to do.
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Nope, I like having long hair way too much
Maybe he’s tired of that life and that world of being underestimated. So this is his chance to do something and to prove himself.
I get why she wanted to get her sword back but I wouldn’t have taken that risk personally.
I did coz she was the weaker one in some ways but I didnt expect it so soon.
It was the only way at that time but I wish they found another one. Alas…
Hmm not sure. Maybe someone in his family is ill?
She has a connection to it? Maybe its a place underground or maybe thats where the gods are or where the silver is brought from? And thats connected to her.
I liked Aris’ dragon. Hoping to see more of them.
Sure but would be cool if he got himself one of those bird creatures that lived in his parts prior.
I’m so sick and tired of him. He needs to be unalived already!
Nav I didnt expect them to work together at this stage like I expected him perhaps begrudgingly and subtly saving her tho.
Yes I did.
Maybe its his own weird way of making her stronger also so he can keep his distance from her.
I wonder who he is…
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Look if push comes to shove, then yes but if there is an alternative like with what Aris suggested then I would prefer that.
I get the sense that he does not agree with the ‘system’ and how things are. So apart from being curious about what life is beyond the House of Sterling and the mountain, it might be to present an alternative life for his people and that he does matter. As he does mention there are 4 brothers ahead of him in line.
I think it had less to do with the actual sword but what it symbolized to Kira. To me, it reinforced the societal structure. that if you don’t come from a Great House, you are basically just a means to an end or worthless. Additionally, the quest and the sword gave Kira a bigger purpose and a sense of self worth, where she was seen. Not sure if I would have done the same however the quest does push you to your limits and Starside is never what it seems. So perhaps I would have, you have to trust your metal and the sword seems to provide the only sense of stability in a realm of uncertainity and high risk.
Actually yes, betweek Aris and Kira they were always saving one another, more Aris doing the saving. To be fair, I also felt like maybe Kira would betray Aris because she wants to save her sister more than anything.
Yes he needed to drop the axe, otherwise he would have met the same fate as the other challengers on the ground.
Exactly what I said in the 2nd paragraph. He could also want to prove his worth to himself, that he isn’t weak and can lead.
It is just fate.
A perfect match.
I’d love to know what happened to Zane. Is he alive, did he find his axe and pair with a dragon. Also what type of dragon.
Cadoc clearly has personal issues that he needs to deal with. On a serious note, I think he feels threatened by Aris. She also constantly rejects or dismisses him. I don’t think that goes down well with his ego especially if he is used to getting what he wants. Aris has fought for everything she has ever had only to lose everything at the same time. In a nutshell, he has a vendetta against her.
Well it is about time! I’ve been waiting to see how and when their relationship will develop apart from her description and experience with Harlan. Can’t wait to see if we get his personal POV about everything too. For now I say, I wasn’t shocked she bumped into him , I actually laughed because it seems to be the nature of their relationship. He also moves quietly, swiftly and is always hiding in darkness or out of sight before they spot one another.
I mean yes, but if we are being honest no. However, I don’t think he would ever put her in a postion where her life is at risk. If anything he pushes her beyond her self constructed limits so she can become stronger and overcome her fears.
Like I said I am waiting for Harlan POV , because I think there is a reason he showed her no mercy on that wet day that Aris holds against him. I suspect their lives and personal journey overlap, maybe Aris doesn’t know but Harlan does.
I don’t know, it was so random but of course it would happen to Aris. I want to know more
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Look if push comes to shove, then yes but if there is an alternative like with what Aris suggested then I would prefer that.
I get the sense that he does not agree with the ‘system’ and how things are. So apart from being curious about what life is beyond the House of Sterling and the mountain, it might be to present an alternative life for his people and that he does matter. As he does mention there are 4 brothers ahead of him in line.
I think it had less to do with the actual sword but what it symbolized to Kira. To me, it reinforced the societal structure. that if you don’t come from a Great House, you are basically just a means to an end or worthless. Additionally, the quest and the sword gave Kira a bigger purpose and a sense of self worth, where she was seen. Not sure if I would have done the same however the quest does push you to your limits and Starside is never what it seems. So perhaps I would have, you have to trust your metal and the sword seems to provide the only sense of stability in a realm of uncertainity and high risk.
Actually yes, betweek Aris and Kira they were always saving one another, more Aris doing the saving. To be fair, I also felt like maybe Kira would betray Aris because she wants to save her sister more than anything.
Yes he needed to drop the axe, otherwise he would have met the same fate as the other challengers on the ground.
He could also want to prove his worth to himself, that he isn’t weak and can lead.
It is just fate.
A perfect match.
I’d love to know what happened to Zane. Is he alive, did he find his axe and pair with a dragon. Also what type of dragon.
Cadoc clearly has personal issues that he needs to deal with. On a serious note, I think he feels threatened by Aris. She also constantly rejects or dismisses him. I don’t think that goes down well with his ego especially if he is used to getting what he wants. Aris has fought for everything she has ever had only to lose everything at the same time. In a nutshell, he has a vendetta against her.
Well it is about time! I’ve been waiting to see how and when their relationship will develop apart from her description and experience with Harlan. Can’t wait to see if we get his personal POV about everything too. For now I say, I wasn’t shocked she bumped into him , I actually laughed because it seems to be the nature of their relationship. He also moves quietly, swiftly and is always hiding in darkness or out of sight before they spot one another.
I mean yes, but if we are being honest no. However, I don’t think he would ever put her in a postion where her life is at risk. If anything he pushes her beyond her self constructed limits so she can become stronger and overcome her fears.
Like I said I am waiting for Harlan POV , because I think there is a reason he showed her no mercy on that wet day that Aris holds against him. I suspect their lives and personal journey overlap, maybe Aris doesn’t know but Harlan does.
I don’t know, it was so random but of course it would happen to Aris. I want to know more
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1.That takes a lot of trust. Especially with a knife! I’d hesitate, but in that environment, practicality wins.
2.He likely has spent his life being underestimated or controlled. The Questral gives him a chance to define himself.
3. It shows how much being chosen matters in this world. I’m not sure I’d do the same, but I’d definitely be tempted.
4.I was a bit surprised. I thought Zane would be the one to leave first.
5.It’s a split-second survival choice. It’s risky, but he prioritises his survival over his axe.
6.I think it’s something tied to family expectations or a past failure he’s trying to correct.
7.Dragons are usually tied to the sky, so this reversal suggests it might be something related to her sword.
8.I really liked thatvthe story contained dragons and I hope we see more of her. I felt like her part of the story was so short. She was majestic and mysterious.
9.It would make sense if he did! I have a feeling his part of the story is not over yet.
10. I don’t think it’s random. He sees her as a threat.
11. I think it came at the right time. They have been bumping into each other occasionally and forcing them together now accelerates that tension.
12. Yes I did think he would help her.
13. There’s definitely more beneath his hostility. It think it could be mistrust, or he’s keeping emotional distance from her. He doesn’t strike me as someone who does anything without a reason.
14. That encounter was so eerie. The mention of the stolen brides was so unsettling, maybe it’s to do with some kind of ritual.
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– Yes. If I kept getting my hair pulled while I was fleeing for my life and it was putting me in danger, I would absolutely chop it off with a sword or a knife just to remove that hazard.
– I think because he’s not the eldest he hasn’t really had the chance to prove himself. He’s probably always been overlooked or dismissed, so this is his opportunity to finally show his worth to his family.
(I know this wasn’t a question, but I absolutely loved this quote. It made the moment where the sword actually choose her feel so much more meaningful.)
– Yes, I would have done the same. You only have one weapon, and if you lose it, you’re basically dead. Given how badly she wants to succeed in the Questral, it makes complete sense.
– I kind of did. She was the weakest link, and I don’t think she would have survived much longer if she had continued.
– I don’t think he had much of a choice. It was a survival decision in that moment, and the same applies to Kira going after her weapon. You can see the situation he was in. But the fact that he goes back for it so quickly shows how important it is to him.
– I’m not completely sure, but I still think it might tie back to his family. Even though they’re one of the great families, they might not have as much power or influence as we think, so this could be his way of changing that.
– I loved that moment. It was so unexpected and felt like a sweet little twist. I think it probably ties back to her legacy and whatever she actually is.
– I really liked it. It felt like something special and unique to her.
– No, I don’t think so. I think he found one of those hawks that fled the mountain because of his heritage. I think one of those bonded with him instead.
– I think he wants her sword. That’s one of his main drivers. If he had the power she has with that sword, he’d probably be unstoppable.
– I did, but only because I might have spoiled myself with fan art or posts where it mentions he becomes her protector. I just didn’t expect it to happen because of this alliance. I thought it would come from him realising who she is because of her markings.
– No, I didn’t.
– I still think he’s a bit of a dick, and I’m not changing my opinion anytime soon. I think he still sees her as beneath him. Either that, or he pushes people away so they don’t get close to him because he is hiding something himself
– I think he’s probably one of the thralls of the God of Death. And the stolen brides could be previous human contestants from the Questral or other women who have been taken by the God of Death.
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1. I want to say no because I know it would look terrible. But if it led to me having near death experiences, I’d probably be persuaded.
2. He’s younger with many older brothers so he probably feels like he has to prove himself and his worth to his house. Maybe he feels as though he lives in the shadows of his siblings.
3. I think it showed her loyalty to something that chose her and what she is willing to do for those loyal to her. I also think she knew that she would likely be unable to survive the Questral without a sword like this so she did whatever it took for her to get it back.
4. No. I actually thought it would be Zane because he is a little more aloof and I feel like he is hiding something with regards to his reasons for entering.
5. It was – in that moment, it seemed like the only way to ensure they made it through that alive.
6. I’m not sure yet but I’d love to know as well!
7. That was an interesting detail! I wonder if its somehow tied to the land and her heritage but at this stage, I have no idea what it all means!
8. A very unique and interesting companion! She has her flaws and weaknesses like Aris, but their determination seems well matched!
9. I’d like to think he did or maybe one of the Hawk creatures that were from his homeland!
10. He is obsessed with hunting her – and its becoming increasingly dangerous every time their paths cross!
11. It might be early in the journey but it feels like so much as happened already so it does not actually feel like it is early. I was more than ready for him to make his appearance!
12. Yes! I cannot believe he left her to basically drown!
13. I feel like there is something about their past that he remembers that adds to his animosity! He has been absolutely horrible throughout but the tough love has made Aris stronger because she’s now constantly trying to figure out how to overcome obstacles on her own
14. I have no idea but maybe a God or someone connected to a God? It was really creepy!
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While I understand the practicality of the situation, I would still choose not to cut my hair. I value it too much and would rather opt for braiding it.
As the youngest among siblings, he may not have been taken seriously, and the Questral likely serves as an opportunity to prove himself.
Given the importance of the sword in the Questral, I would have made the same decision.
I did not expect Kira’s departure to occur so early in the narrative.
The dropping of the axe felt inevitable. Just as Kira is bound to her sword, Zane appears equally connected to his axe.
I am uncertain of his additional motives, as his character is still developing.
I believe there is a deeper significance that will be revealed later, particularly since both her sword and dragon emerged from the ground.
I was pleasantly surprised by the inclusion of dragons and would appreciate seeing more of them and their role within the story.
I hope Zane has found his own dragon, allowing for his return later in the narrative.
Cadoc is becoming increasingly frustrating with his fixation on Aris’s sword. His behaviour reflects that of a bully whose pride has been wounded.
I was surprised by how quickly the alliance formed. While I anticipated their paths crossing again, I expected Zane, Kira, and Aris to develop a stronger alliance together.
Considering his previous behaviour towards her, I did not expect him to offer assistance. He continues to present as antagonistic.
It is possible that his antagonism is intentional, perhaps to push her away.I am unsure at this stage, but I trust it will be clarified as the story progresses.
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1. Random, but yes. Her hair has already become a weakness so why not…
2. I think it is related to his family upbringing and he probably has to compete against other powerful men in his realm.
3. I would have fought for it too, but since no one knows what lies within the water, I most likely would have cut my losses hahaha!
4. Yes!!! Weakest link.
5. I think that was a good move to save them but not sure how that might impact Zane’s ability to fight.
6. I think he is probably one of many siblings who are fighting for power. He may even be the black sheep in his family.
7. It seems like her power comes from ancient magic related to who she truly is.
8. Very, very cool!!!
9. I don’t know. I hope he has.
10. He is such a nuisance. He needs to be destroyed. Him and his bullying group.
11. I knew she would rely on him in some capacity given they have some vague history.
12. No I did not, but it feeds into the enemies to lovers trope…
13. It’s lowkey annoying and slowing down the action. I find these chapters a bit bleak but I hope they can figure out their mess.
14. That was…creepy… I have no idea what that storyline is but I wanted to find out so badly! Part of me thought it could be other challengers that had not made it out. Their choice was death or forced marriage.
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1) I mean, in this situation it called for it. But in any normal situation I don’t think so!
2) We don’t know much about his background or family history – but perhaps he is overshadowed or his family doesn’t take him seriously.
3) I think so – especially because it chose her (me).
4) I thought it would be Aris, actually… but Kira didn’t do so willingly – she had no other choice.
5) No – because they need to defend themselves together, Aris is not do adept at wielding her sword just yet. Additionally, they or just Zane would need to go and get it back.
6) I don’t know – maybe he needs the magic to be taken seriously and bring something back for his family to prove himself.
7) I think the dragon could have also been bonded to the previous wielder of her sword. Whomever it may be.
8) It’s great! But it didn’t last very long.
9) No I don’t think Zane did – he just disappeared. I thought he would play a bigger role.
10) He is really obsessed with her – and I think he finds her to be a threat to him and what he wants to achieve by entering the Questral.
11) No – not actually, but it makes sense considering the rest of her group is now gone.
12) No – he doesn’t seem like he cares very much so why would he?
13) Thinking like an avid romantasy reader – he is infuriated with himself that he would be so taken with Aris and finds her very alluring and a major distraction to his agenda. But also – not thinking that way, he probably sees her as weak and a liability.
14) I don’t know – maybe previous Questral contestants? But it was a really terrifying ordeal to be in. -
⚔️Yeah, circumstances considered, I definitely would. My hair is unruly on its best day.
⚔️I think its the curse of not being the eldest child or the “chosen” one. It feels like you have no value or purpose. It’s why he would risk his life for it.
⚔️I think if I was in the same shoes as Kira sure, but honestly I think I’d be more like Aris and try to be resourcesful. However I do understand that Kira knew her chances of dying without it were much greater.
⚔️In a way yes. She did appear to be the weakest link.
⚔️I think so. It again comes back to adapting and figuring out how to navigate the set-backs.
⚔️At this stage I’m not sure, but whatever it is, it’s worth dying for.
⚔️I’m not sure, but it has something to do with Aris’ markings and how she got them.
⚔️I think dragons are always ultra cool. So 10/10 no notes from me.
⚔️I don’t think Zane was trying to find a dragon – so I think he definitely figured out a way to get the beast he wanted.
⚔️He’s obsessed with her lol. Also I think he has a vendetta, especially because of her sword.
⚔️I kind of suspected it because he didn’t kill her already.
⚔️A TINY SECOND YEAH
⚔️I think he’s genuinely trying to prevent her from getting too close. I do feel this relationship is purely transactional.
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