That afternoon, Hilo dresses in his best suit and pauses outside Kaul Sen’s room. He Perceives his grandfather’s weakened heartbeat and aura, recognizes that Sen’s aid to Doru was consistent with the old man’s stubborn nature, but decides there is nothing to gain by entering. Hilo leaves the main house and goes to the Horn residence.

When Wen sees Hilo dressed formally, Wen understands that Hilo has decided to go through with his dangerous plan. Hilo tells Wen they must marry that day. Both grieve that the wedding is not the grand celebration they imagined, but Hilo explains the practical reason: Shae has arranged visas for Wen, her brothers, Kaul Sen, and Anden so they can escape the Mountain if Hilo fails. Hilo also says he has ordered Kehn and Tar to leave if necessary, though Wen believes Hilo will return.

Wen changes into a blue dress and jewelry, and Hilo escorts Wen into the courtyard. Judge Ledo officiates a brief civil wedding, with Kehn and Shae as witnesses. As Hilo recites the marriage vows, Hilo feels the promises bind him in a way different from clan oaths and realizes that loyalty to clan and compassion toward Wen may one day conflict.

Wen gives her vows with strength. Kehn ties Hilo and Wen’s wrists together, Shae places the cup of hoji in their hands, and the couple drinks before pouring the rest on the ground for luck. Judge Ledo pronounces Hilo and Wen married.

Hilo knows the wedding is inadequate for the Pillar of No Peak and regrets depriving Wen of the occasion she deserved. Still, the marriage ensures that if Hilo dies, Wen will inherit what Hilo promised and the Mountain will not be able to touch those assets. Hilo takes Wen to his room, where the newlyweds share an intimate, wordless interlude that Hilo tries to preserve in memory in case it is his last.