Shae goes to the former Weather Man’s house, where Yun Dorupon is being held under guard after being stripped of jade. A junior Finger tries to bar Shae from entering on Hilo’s orders, but Shae asserts that, as the new Weather Man, the house is now her residence and forces the guard to let her in.

Inside, Shae finds Doru physically diminished by jade withdrawal, surrounded by the clutter of his long career. Doru asks why Doru is still alive and learns that Lan’s funeral has already taken place. When Shae tells Doru that Lan was ambushed and drowned, Doru is stricken and insists that Lan’s death was never part of the plan.

Shae confronts Doru about betraying No Peak. Doru explains that Doru believed Doru was carrying out Kaul Sen’s unspoken wish to reunite the clans, arguing that the One Mountain Society’s wartime unity had been broken by peace. Doru admits concealing the Mountain’s mining activities and taking money, but claims Doru redirected that money into No Peak’s businesses to prepare the clans for an eventual merger under Ayt Mada’s stronger leadership.

Shae presses Doru on the attacks against Hilo and Lan. Doru denies knowing Lan would be killed but admits Doru knew the Mountain would likely decide Hilo had to die and did nothing to prevent it. Shae reflects on Doru’s long abuse of trust and accepts that, by clan law and Hilo’s likely judgment, Doru deserves execution.

Because Hilo has not yet ordered Doru’s death, Shae decides to intervene for Kaul Sen’s sake. Shae offers to persuade Hilo to spare Doru if Doru swears to leave clan business and serve only as familiar company for Kaul Sen, whose mind and will are fading after Lan’s death. Doru accepts, agreeing to sit with Kaul Sen under guard and without jade, while Shae warns that Shae will not protect Doru again if Doru breaks the rules.