The harbor blast throws Inej off her feet, but her training helps her roll through the impact and recover quickly. After checking that Kaz and the others are still alive, Inej climbs the cargo crates to survey the fight. From above, Inej sees that the Dregs are badly outnumbered and being flanked, confirming Kaz's fear that someone leaked their true departure plan.

Inej moves silently through the containers to reduce the threat before the others can reach the real Ferolind. Inej kills several attackers, including men bearing Black Tips and Razorgulls tattoos, which shows that more than one gang is involved in the ambush. Inej's actions even the odds, but Inej realizes the enemy numbers are larger than expected and that the attack may be more than simple revenge for Kaz's clash with Geels.

As Inej tries to climb toward the schooner, Oomen catches Inej and stabs Inej in the side. Oomen recognizes Inej as Kaz Brekker's Wraith and says Oomen wants Inej alive for the secrets Inej knows. Pinned and bleeding, Inej uses hidden blades in Inej's knee pads to wound Oomen and escape.

Inej tries to climb higher among the cargo containers despite severe blood loss. Pursuers shake the containers and close in, hoping to capture Inej alive. Unable to go farther and fearing torture by the Black Tips or Razorgulls, Inej prepares to kill herself with Inej's own blade.

Kaz reaches Inej before Inej can use the knife, stops Inej, and carries Inej down from the crates despite Kaz's bad leg. As Kaz runs toward the schooner, Inej drifts in and out of consciousness and remembers how Kaz once found Inej at the Menagerie after Inej whispered that Inej could help him. Kaz keeps Inej talking, but Inej fades into darkness before hearing whether Kaz apologizes as Inej asks.