Manon and the Thirteen return to the Crochan camp in the Fangs after visiting the Ferian Gap. As they approach Glennis’s hearth, Bronwen presses Manon about what happened. Manon says she asked the Ironteeth to consider who they want to be, but admits she does not know whether they will turn against Morath.

Bronwen reacts with disappointment, suggesting the Crochans should not have hoped. Manon gives no answer and instead joins Glennis by the sacred fire, where Glennis says the Crochans have decided to leave by midmorning and return to their home-hearths.

Manon asks Glennis whether the Ironteeth can change. Glennis answers by speaking of Rhiannon, Manon’s half sister, who openly believed in peace between Crochan and Ironteeth witches and dreamed of a united Witch Kingdom. Rhiannon had hoped Manon would lead the Ironteeth while Rhiannon led the Crochans, but now Glennis says Manon alone must become the bridge between the two peoples.

Asterin insists the Ironteeth will turn, while Sorrel plainly doubts it. Manon eats in silence, remembering the hope she once spoke of to Elide and fearing there may be none left for the witches after all.

Meanwhile, Dorian remains near the wyverns, answering the Crochans’ questions about the Ferian Gap. He confirms that no Ironteeth army followed them, that Manon spoke to the Ironteeth as both Ironteeth and Crochan, and that no one has yet rallied to their side.

Afterward, Dorian withdraws to a cliff and reflects on the horrors of the Ferian Gap, the kingdom his father and Erawan helped create, and his need to make Adarlan right. The Wyrdkeys whisper, but he ignores them, takes comfort from Damaris, and looks toward distant Morath. Remembering that he once shifted into a raven, Dorian transforms again and begins practicing how to fly.