One month later, Alaric arrives in Nenavar with Sevraim aboard a Kesathese shallop, expecting to meet Talasyn in Iantas. Dominion coracles intercept and redirect the convoy, making Sevraim jokingly suspect an ambush. Alaric, conscious of how Nenavarene civilians fear his imperial image, removes his wolf-snarl mask because he believes an alliance with Nenavar cannot be built on fear.

As the convoy descends toward Vasiyas, Alaric grows anxious because the Voidfell flared earlier that morning near the Void Sever. Kaptan Nalam Gao meets Alaric and Sevraim and leads them into a village devastated by the flare. The Voidfell has killed villagers, animals, crops, and vegetation, leaving charred remains and ruined fields; Gao explains that such a large eruption this far from the eclipse is unprecedented and may signal worse disasters to come.

Alaric finds Talasyn among the survivors, comforting grieving families. When the villagers react fearfully to Alaric, Talasyn links arms with him and publicly presents them as united, promising the survivors shelter at Iantas and vowing that she and Alaric will do everything possible to stop the Voidfell on the night of reckoning. Talasyn orders soldiers and crews to help bury the dead, gather belongings, and evacuate the survivors quickly in case the Voidfell flares again.

Gao questions whether Talasyn should consult Queen Urduja before housing the villagers at Iantas, but Talasyn asserts that the castle belongs to her and Alaric through the dowry. Alaric supports Talasyn’s decision without resentment and asks how he can help, which makes Talasyn hope there may still be compassion in him despite Vela’s warning. Talasyn, Alaric, Sevraim, and their crews load luggage and livestock onto the ships to make room for the surviving villagers.

During the flight to Iantas, Talasyn and Alaric sit together amid baskets and animals. Their conversation turns awkwardly to the wound Gaheris gave Alaric and to Talasyn’s care for him at the Citadel. Alaric initially responds defensively, then apologizes, thanks Talasyn, and is moved when she gently touches his hand; the moment is interrupted by the ship’s descent. As Iantas comes into view, Talasyn asks whether Alaric finds it pretty, and Alaric answers while looking at her rather than the castle.