Bree rushes back to the Lodge after Patricia’s memory walk, hoping to tell Nick about the Gate Ruth saw twenty-five years earlier. Nick and Lord Davis are away, so Bree seeks William in the infirmary instead. Bree confronts William with her conclusion that Sel is Shadowborn, and William confirms the secret: Sel is technically part demon, but so are all Merlins.

William explains that Merlin’s descendants are cambions, descended from a human woman and a powerful incubus, which gives them a natural affinity for aether without needing a Legendborn Awakening. William insists that Sel is volatile, not evil, and describes Merlins’ enhanced bodies and abilities. Sel overhears with his heightened hearing, storms in, and accuses Bree of snooping. Bree provokes him by calling him a “crossroads child,” but William physically shields Bree and reminds Sel that Sel’s Oath of Service prevents him from harming her.

Later, Bree goes to Tap Rail with the chapter, using a borrowed fake ID from Greer. Bree is distracted by Patricia’s repeated calls and by the need to speak with Nick. Felicity explains the upcoming Selection Gala, where Scions announce their chosen Squires, which makes Bree think about Nick choosing someone else. When Greer and Felicity touch Bree’s hair while discussing styling, Bree sharply tells them not to treat her like a spectacle, and both apologize.

On the porch, the Legendborn students appear like ordinary college kids until Nick arrives with Sel as his guard. Vaughn and others press Nick about whether Arthur has Called him and whether the Round Table will be reunited. Nick says he has not been Called, Lord Davis is consulting the Regents, and for now everyone must keep training and stay alert.

Nick and Bree step away for privacy, and their flirtation nearly becomes another kiss, but Sel interrupts and refuses to let Nick out of sight. Nick orders Sel to leave them alone, yet Sel says Lord Davis left him in charge and that the Shadowborn are targeting Nick. Bree notices others watching and leads Nick back to avoid a public fight, leaving Nick furious and powerless.

Back in her room, Bree tells Nick by phone about the mysterious figure who opened a Gate on campus years ago, while protecting Patricia’s identity. Nick says Order records do not mention such an event and explains that only demon blood should open Gates, making an uchel, a Merlin, a vial of demon blood, or dark Morgaine casting possible. When Bree suggests the Regents may have covered up the attack and later targeted Faye if Faye was a witness like Bree, Nick warns that accusing the Regents would expose Bree. Nick says they need proof and that only an Awakened Arthur could fully protect Bree from the Regents, but that would mean Camlann.