On the day before Hadrian’s official departure from Delos, the weather is bright and calm, which feels wrong to Hadrian given the ruin of Gibson and the end of Hadrian’s old life. Officially, Hadrian is to board a shuttle the next morning, transfer to the trading cog Farworker, and travel toward Lorica College on Vesperad. Secretly, Hadrian expects Liliana’s plan to remove him during the night and send him to Karch to meet her Free Trader contact.

Hadrian waits near the Haspida landing field with Crispin, trying to compose himself through Gibson’s lessons about perception and detachment. Crispin remarks that he wishes he could go to orbit, while Imperial legionnaires, Marlowe hoplites, and Kephalos technicians prepare for the arrival of the shuttle from Devil’s Rest.

The shuttle lands, and Hadrian briefly fears Alistair has come in person, which would threaten Liliana’s plan and render Gibson’s sacrifice meaningless. Instead, Tor Alcuin, Sir Roban, several functionaries, a flight officer, and Lieutenant Kyra descend. Kyra’s presence unsettles Hadrian because of their earlier connection and because she seems out of place among Alistair’s emissaries.

Alcuin formally greets Hadrian and frames the coming exile as honorable service to House Marlowe through the Chantry. Hadrian, emboldened by Alistair’s absence and Liliana’s secret plan, pointedly says he would be more honored if Gibson were present. Alcuin coldly dismisses Gibson’s fate as the result of treason, which intensifies Hadrian’s anger at Alcuin’s emotionless loyalty.

Roban greets Hadrian warmly, and Hadrian thanks Roban and Kyra for saving him. When Alcuin begins another speech about the necessity of Hadrian’s Chantry future, Crispin unexpectedly cuts him off, showing a rare moment of support. Hadrian then asks Kyra why she is there, and Kyra claims she was personally requested by Hadrian himself; Hadrian knows this is a lie but plays along, realizing that something hidden is unfolding around his departure.

Alcuin asks after Lady Kephalos-Marlowe, and Crispin directs the group toward the palace. The chapter ends with Hadrian outwardly maintaining composure while inwardly alarmed by Kyra’s mysterious assignment and the presence of Alistair’s men so close to the planned escape.