After sundown, Orynth’s defenders prepare a small viewing chamber for Lord Murtaugh, who was killed by Valg foot soldiers while trying to stop enemy troops pouring over the city walls from a siege tower. Murtaugh’s sacrifice rallies the soldiers enough to topple the tower, but the victory is costly. Ren kneels beside Murtaugh’s body for hours, devastated, while Aedion remains at Ren’s side despite Aedion’s own wounds.

Lysandra comes with Evangeline, comforts the girl, and watches Evangeline kiss Murtaugh’s brow before escorting her away. After seeing Darrow and the other lords arrive, Lysandra feels anger toward those who did not take Murtaugh’s risks. Lysandra tends to Evangeline, then returns to find Aedion still keeping vigil with Ren.

When Aedion finally leaves the chamber, Lysandra follows him toward the dining hall, intending to find food for them both. Aedion breaks down in the hallway, blaming himself for not being at the western wall. Lysandra cannot erase his grief, so she wipes away his tears and tells Aedion that Murtaugh was good, brave, and noble, and that Aedion is too.

Lysandra kisses Aedion, offering comfort and reaffirming that she will stay with him after the war, whether in life or death. Their grief turns into fierce desire, and they nearly lose themselves in each other before a passing sentry interrupts. Lysandra stops Aedion and tells him to live and fight through tomorrow, promising they can continue then; when Aedion fears she kissed him from pity, Lysandra tells him she needed him because she is sick of so much death.

Later, Manon attends another bleak war council. Darrow reports that the archers have enough arrows for only three or four days, while food will last a month but means little without defenders. Rolfe says the firelances may last only through the next day, so Manon advises conserving them for high-ranking Valg. The council acknowledges that catapults are poor tools for close fighting, the Ironteeth cannot help defend the walls while holding off enemy witches, and once their supplies fail, only swords and courage remain. Aedion insists they will fight to the last, and no one objects.