After the ambush, Alizeh confronts the stranger who bowed to her as queen. The man explains that he had followed Alizeh to protect her and apologizes for his firefly, which has been drawn to Alizeh since slipping into Baz House against his orders.

The stranger gives Alizeh a nosta, an extraordinarily rare Tulanian truth-testing orb created by Diviner magic. Because the nosta warms when the man speaks, Alizeh accepts that the man is loyal and truthful when he says that others have long searched for Alizeh and are grateful to have found her.

When Alizeh asks who the man is, the stranger reveals that his mother was a secret Jinn courtier who once served as an informant for Alizeh’s parents inside the palace. The stranger begins to mention a prophecy, shocking Alizeh, who has never heard of it. The man refuses to explain fully because he says there is not enough time and because he cannot be missed.

The stranger proves their childhood connection by producing a hazelnut after Alizeh remembers that he once taught Alizeh to play jacks. He says he has remained close to the crown, as his mother did, waiting for news of Alizeh and arranging for her safe transfer after learning she still lives.

Alizeh removes her snoda as a gesture of trust, and the man reacts with awe and restraint. Alizeh explains the strange icy flicker in her eyes, but the man truthfully tells Alizeh that she does not look strange.

The man says Alizeh must attend the ball the next night, where the firefly will find Alizeh and guide her when the time is right. Before leaving, he finally gives his name: Hazan, and tells Alizeh that Alizeh may depend on Hazan with her life.