April break week (Patreon)

I usually do this the last week of the month, so tonight's update would've been the last one before break, but I'm taking it one update early this time.  This month and the last have been a downward spiral in terms of my mental health and today I'm in real bad shape, to the point I'm having trouble functioning at all, much less doing anything productive or creative.  The next chapter is an exciting one I've looked forward to and am still unable to focus enough to actually get it written down, which is a real bad sign.  I need to call it here and rejuvenate before I proceed.

So!  This and the next update will be missed for Avenist-tier backers, for whom chapters will resume the last update in April.  That will also be when the week off begins for public readers on Royal Road - with, as always, other backer tiers in the middle.

Thanks for your patience, folks.  I hope you're enjoying the story.  Be back soon.