Talasyn brews valerian root tea for Alaric, then gathers bandages, cloths, hot water, and salve to treat the wounds Gaheris inflicted. The work is quiet and intimate. While cleaning Alaric's injuries, Talasyn notices the old scar from the night she stabbed him, and both are reminded of the violent beginning that still marks them.

As Talasyn tends Alaric's chest, abdomen, and head wound, the intimacy unsettles her and revives memories of their wedding night. Alaric, dulled by pain, blood loss, and the valerian, answers more honestly than he normally would. Alaric says Gaheris punished him because he disappointed him: the attack nearly succeeded, Alaric was unprepared, and someone reported that he spared a rebel.

Talasyn realizes Alaric spared Hiras because Talasyn begged him to, deepening her guilt and confusion. When Talasyn tries to clean up, Alaric pulls her close and pleads with her not to leave, promising not to mention the rebels again. Talasyn recognizes his loneliness, stays with him, and reassures him that he is not merely a weapon, naming the ways he has protected, helped, and confided in her.

Alaric asks Talasyn to be kind to him, and the charged moment leads to a kiss. Talasyn knows it is a bad idea but responds to the comfort and longing between them, only to discover that Alaric has fallen asleep mid-kiss. Annoyed but tender, Talasyn brushes hair from Alaric's bandaged forehead and lets the moment remain unspoken.

Later, Talasyn wakes in Alaric's bed to the sound of a Shadow Sever and sees a black ship leaving the Citadel, carrying a frail, dark-robed figure she recognizes as Gaheris, surrounded by protective Shadowforged. The sight reveals how physically withered Gaheris has become despite his terrifying power. Realizing her delegation leaves for Nenavar in two hours and that Jie may soon discover her absence, Talasyn quietly leaves Alaric, though his sleepy farewell makes leaving feel painfully difficult.