Bree enters Nick’s room late at night after Sel has saved Nick from the hellsnake attack. Nick is awake but recovering, and Bree tells Nick that Sel and Lord Davis believe the attack was planned so Shadowborn could quickly subdue and kidnap Nick. Nick explains that the Regents have called a meeting and that Nick’s father will travel to the Northern Chapter, leaving Sel in charge.

Bree reflects on the danger her hidden mission creates. Bree still wants the truth about Faye’s death, but after seeing Nick nearly taken, Bree feels guilty that Sel’s suspicion of Bree distracts Sel from protecting Nick. Bree wonders whether she can keep competing for a Squire title under false pretenses when Nick may need a genuine Squire beside him.

Nick invites Bree to sit with him, and their closeness turns intimate. Nick thanks Bree for staying despite the escalating attacks and admits that Nick trusted Bree from the beginning. Nick nearly kisses Bree but gives Bree space when Bree becomes overwhelmed, and they sit together until they fall asleep.

During the night, Nick tells Bree about Nick’s childhood as Arthur’s Scion. Nick’s father trained Nick harshly, while Nick’s mother feared what the Order was doing to her son. When Nick’s mother tried to run away with Nick, Nick’s father called the Regents, and a Merlin later erased Nick from Nick’s mother’s memory. Nick explains that this trauma made Nick hate Arthur, the Merlins, and the expectations of the Order, leading Nick to reject training and fear that Nick might not hear Arthur’s Call if it comes.

In the morning, Nick leaves toiletries for Bree and walks Bree back toward campus. Nick worries that everyone expects Nick to lead, and Bree encourages Nick to fake confidence until it becomes real. When Nick suggests again that Bree could be Nick’s Squire, Bree deflects, but Nick challenges Bree not to dismiss the idea that Nick genuinely likes Bree.

Nick admits that seeing Bree taken by the uchel made Nick think seriously about what being Arthur’s Scion could mean. Nick calls Bree strong, beautiful, brilliant, brave, and a warrior, then asks to kiss Bree. Bree says yes, and they kiss intensely until Russ and Evan interrupt with teasing. After the embarrassment passes, Bree rests in Nick’s arms and allows herself to feel safe and happy for a moment.