Kaz ends the planning session by ordering the crew to be ready to sail by the next night. Because Hringkälla offers their best chance to reach Bo Yul-Bayur, Kaz refuses to risk delay, though he privately recognizes that his developing plan will force them to enter the Ice Court with very few resources.

Kaz assigns immediate preparations. Jesper must buy bullets and keep Wylan away from Van Eck, while Wylan is tasked with explosives and with watching Jesper to prevent gambling. Nina receives money for her tailoring supplies, and Inej is sent to acquire cold-weather gear, confirming Kaz’s intent to approach from the north rather than through heavily watched Djerholm harbor.

Kaz orders Matthias Helvar held in the Crow Club’s closed parlor, unshackled for now but guarded, so Matthias can continue recalling details about the Ice Court. Kaz also demands secrecy from everyone: outsiders are to believe the crew is working a country-house job near the city, not leaving Kerch.

When Wylan admits he knows nothing about his father’s trading company and has never snooped through Van Eck’s papers, Kaz is surprised but believes him. As the others leave, Matthias asks to speak with Kaz alone, despite Inej’s warning look.

Once alone, Matthias attacks Kaz and searches Kaz’s pockets for the pardon Kaz had shown earlier. Kaz, expecting the move, controls his revulsion at skin contact, escapes, and disables Matthias with his cane. Kaz then reveals that he still has the pardon, uses sleight of hand to taunt Matthias, and warns that tricks and street survival make Kaz far more dangerous than Matthias assumes.

Kaz declares Matthias’s attack his only free pass, decides Matthias will be shackled that night, and leaves after kicking Matthias again. The confrontation reinforces Kaz’s control over the crew and the precarious trust surrounding Matthias before the mission has even begun.