Summary
At his spouse’s burial, Artes meets Liliu for the first time. Among the deities, a sacred law dictates that each may cherish only one immortal mate—to covet another invites inevitable ruin. Though Artes recognizes Liliu’s devotion, he pretends not to notice, shielding them from peril. Believing this weight is his alone to bear, he chooses to suffer in quiet torment, prepared to meet a lonely fate if necessary.