Alizeh endures an especially punishing workday at Baz House. Boiling water, scrubbing floors, and cleaning latrines leave her hands blistered, split, and bleeding, while her mind circles the devil’s visit, the hooded stranger, Miss Huda’s cruelty, and the starving Fesht boy she left injured in the snow.

While refilling buckets in the kitchen, Alizeh repeatedly checks the back alley for the Fesht boy. The smell of rosewater from the Wintrose Festival draws Alizeh outside, where scattered Gol Mohammadi roses awaken memories of harvesting roses with her parents and briefly give Alizeh joy.

The memory turns painful as Alizeh is overcome by grief and panic. Alizeh reflects on the murders of her parents and suspects their deaths, along with the deaths of others connected to her, may not have been random acts of anti-Jinn violence but may have been aimed at Alizeh herself. With no proof, fear continues to consume her.

Alizeh returns inside, still worried that the Fesht boy has not come back for the food she hid for him. Because Alizeh sometimes does not know her own strength, she fears she may have hurt the boy too badly during their struggle. Alizeh then tears strips from her apron to bandage her damaged hands, hoping to buy salve or a poultice with her new coin.

A knock at the back door brings Mrs. Sana, housekeeper to the Lojjan ambassador’s estate. Mrs. Sana delivers payment and tells Alizeh that Miss Huda was pleased with the dress and wants to hire Alizeh again for four gowns and a showpiece for the upcoming festivities and ball. The opportunity overwhelms Alizeh: after Mrs. Sana leaves, Alizeh collapses to the floor and sobs.