After the Ironteeth massacre, Manon and the Thirteen finish burying every dead soldier. Exhausted and injured from the work, Manon is approached by Bronwen, who admits that Manon and her coven acted honorably. Manon answers that her grandmother has cast her out of the Ironteeth, but Bronwen’s acknowledgment marks a small shift in how some Crochans view the White Demon.

As the Crochan hearths debate whether to return home or flee farther south into Eyllwe, Manon does not try to persuade them to march north. Instead, she reflects on her divided identity. Manon tells Asterin and the listening Thirteen that she is both Crochan and Ironteeth, and that the Ironteeth remain her people despite her grandmother’s decree.

Manon decides that if the Crochans will not rally a host, she will seek one already trained. Rather than go to Morath, she chooses the Ferian Gap, where Petrah Blueblood commands what remains of the Ironteeth host, hoping to bring them home before they become unworthy of one. Asterin and the Thirteen are stunned by the dangerous plan.

Manon then follows Dorian’s scent into the trees and discovers him speaking with the spirit of Kaltain Rompier, who appears healed and lucid in death. Manon overhears that Dorian intends to infiltrate Morath to retrieve the third and final Wyrdkey. She also realizes that his shape-shifting practice has been preparation for this mission.

Manon confronts Dorian for hiding the plan from her, arguing that Morath is suicide and that Erawan will capture and collar him. Dorian insists the war will be lost if he does not go and says his path has always led there. Their argument exposes Manon’s fear for him and anger at his deception.

Instead of forbidding him outright, Manon challenges Dorian to prove he is ready by joining the flight to the Ferian Gap and acting as a spy inside. Dorian agrees, but the quarrel leaves their relationship strained, and he tells Manon to find another tent for the night.