genetic-regeneration

The chapter follows Oeka and her group as they avoid human settlements and drift along a river, during which Oeka undergoes physical transformations reflecting her alien biology. After an attack by a human archer, they capture and mark him to deter further aggression. Oeka then heals an injured human male by amputating his poisoned leg and initiating regeneration, while grappling with her own insecurities about bonding and identity within her alien-human hybrid family.