Hilo avoids using Lan’s study and conducts clan business in the courtyard. After a night fighting in the Armpit, Hilo learns from Maik Kehn and Maik Tar that No Peak held its old territory but lost the southern Docks, including the Twice Lucky. Three Fists—Asei, Ronu, and Satto—and eleven Fingers died, and Mr. Une has switched allegiance under Mountain pressure.

Tar wants to retake the Twice Lucky immediately because Gont is using it as both a taunt and a strategic base. Hilo refuses, reasoning that Gont expects a counterattack and that No Peak cannot spare enough fighters without weakening other districts. Hilo tells Kehn that, as the new Horn, Kehn must make tactical recommendations rather than wait for orders, and Hilo appoints Tar as his Pillarman with a newly expanded, secretive role.

Wen briefly brings food and water, and Hilo reflects that having Wen safely nearby is one of his few comforts. After the Maik brothers leave, Shae arrives angrily and tells Hilo he must meet with the Royal Council. Hilo first asks Shae to find Wen a safer, more useful clan job, and Shae reluctantly agrees before returning to the political crisis.

Shae explains that the Royal Council, including No Peak’s own Lantern Men, is alarmed by the war’s effects on business, jade income, and foreign relations. Hilo resists the idea of meeting politicians or considering a truce, but Shae warns that ignoring the council could weaken No Peak’s influence, drive Lantern Men away, and encourage foreign powers to deal directly with the Mountain. Their discussion briefly turns hostile when Hilo criticizes Shae for sparing Doru without consulting him; Shae argues that Doru, stripped of jade and guarded, has restored some life to their grandfather.

Hilo and Shae pull back from their argument and acknowledge that they must work together as Pillar and Weather Man. Shae advises Hilo to let the council open negotiations with Ayt, not because No Peak wants peace, but because talks can reassure Lantern Men, delay foreign interference, and buy time until spring, when No Peak expects stronger Academy recruits and possible KJA reforms against the Mountain. Shae makes clear that Ayt’s strategy extends beyond street warfare and that No Peak must fight politically and economically as well.

The chapter closes with a softer exchange between the siblings. Hilo asks about Shae’s breakup with Jerald, then teasingly tells Shae that she was always too dangerous and relentless for him. Hilo embraces Shae and offers to kill Jerald for her; Shae replies that she can kill her ex-boyfriends herself, allowing a brief moment of sibling closeness amid the war.