With nine minutes left until sundown, Rohan breaks into the house on the north point by climbing through the only usable window, four stories up on the ocean side. Once inside, he moves through the shadows and studies the fourth-floor layout, noting seven locked doors.

Nash Hawthorne approaches openly, and Rohan recognizes the ease and quiet control of a Hawthorne. Nash introduces himself, and Rohan responds with his usual flippant charm, while also realizing that Nash is probably not giving every player in the Grandest Game a personal welcome.

Nash makes it clear that his visit is not about Rohan fighting one of his brothers. Instead, Nash predicts that Rohan will not win the game, explaining that Hawthorne games have heart and implying that Rohan lacks what the game requires.

Nash leaves Rohan a large, ornate bronze key and tells him to find the room it opens, promising Rohan will know what to do when he finds it. Rohan, focused on winning the money he needs to claim the Mercy, refuses to be rattled and calls after Nash with congratulations on the babies, turning the encounter into another provocation.