Sorscha continues helping Dorian control his magic by giving him iron in a disguised tonic, adjusting the dosage and flavor so his repeated use will not draw suspicion. To make the treatment seem harmless, they present it as a daily contraceptive tonic, relying on Dorian's reputation to keep others from questioning it.

When Sorscha brings Dorian the new mixture, Dorian asks why Sorscha keeps helping despite the danger and his father's laws. Sorscha insists it is the right thing, but Dorian's gratitude and attention unsettle Sorscha because Sorscha knows their difference in rank makes any romance dangerous. Sorscha leaves to protect herself, reminding herself that survival depends on remaining quiet and unnoticed.

Outside Dorian's room, Sorscha realizes that Dorian makes Sorscha want more than safety and invisibility. When Dorian opens the door and simply looks at Sorscha, Sorscha chooses a brief moment of desire over caution and kisses Dorian fiercely, accepting that there may be no safe future for them.

Later, Chaol goes to a secret meeting in the slums with Aedion, Ren, and Murtaugh, troubled by the need to lie to his own guards. While waiting, Chaol tells Aedion that Chaol will soon return to Anielle because Chaol bargained with his father to get Celaena sent to Wendlyn. Aedion recognizes the honor in Chaol's sacrifice, and the two briefly discuss fathers, including Aedion's unknown parentage.

Ren arrives badly wounded and explains that Ren and Murtaugh were followed; Murtaugh is safe, but eight attackers cornered Ren. Ren killed two and escaped, leaving six pursuers behind. Aedion hides Chaol and Ren behind barrels, confronts the attackers alone, and kills all six with startling speed and brutality.

After the fight, Aedion reveals that the attackers wore black uniforms marked with a wyvern, the royal sigil. Chaol does not recognize the uniform, which suggests a hidden force connected to the king. Aedion hears more men searching the slums for Ren, and Ren stays conscious long enough to say he knows a place to hide.