On the Ferolind, the crew has a strong wind carrying them away from Fjerda, but Nina’s use of jurda parem immediately becomes the central danger. Matthias asks Kuwei how long Nina’s heightened state will last, and Kuwei explains that the high may last one or two hours before sickness, hypersensitivity, tremors, and craving begin. Kuwei says Nina has one chance to avoid addiction if her body purges enough naturally; another dose might keep her comfortable but would leave no hope.

Nina withdraws toward the prow, and Inej brings her a coat. Nina’s senses have become unnaturally sharp: she can hear Inej’s pulse, identify people by their hearts, and notice Kaz’s breathing change when Kaz looks at Inej. Nina admits she is terrified, and Inej comforts Nina with promises of survival, riches, songs, and a future in which they buy the Menagerie and burn it down.

Before Nina leaves to find Matthias, Nina uses her enhanced power to remove the Menagerie’s peacock-feather mark and damaged skin from Inej’s forearm. The healing is quick, leaving Inej’s skin flawless, and the moment underlines both Nina’s power and Inej’s longing for deeper wounds to be erased as easily. Nina then moves away after a tense exchange with Kaz, who has already found another task for Nina despite her approaching ordeal.

Kaz joins Inej at the rail, and they discuss the planned exchange for Kuwei. Kaz says he and Rotty will row to harbor, contact Van Eck, and arrange the meeting on Vellgeluk, an island associated with slavers and smugglers. Inej is uneasy that Van Eck suggested such a place, while Kaz notes that Van Eck may not be as respectable as he appears.

Inej reveals her future plans: she will learn to sail, use her share of the reward to outfit a ship, hunt slavers, and return to Ravka to find her family. When Inej asks Kaz what dream remains for Kaz beyond money, violence, and vengeance, Kaz avoids answering. Kaz then asks Inej to stay in Ketterdam with him and admits that he wants her, but Inej refuses to accept a love guarded by distance, gloves, and avoidance. Inej tells Kaz she will have Kaz without armor or not at all, then leaves him alone in the wind before dawn.