Jesper sees Kaz return from the Slat badly injured but still in control, accompanied by Anika and Pim, who have left guards behind in case Pekka Rollins tries to seize Dreg territory. Kaz refuses medical help from Nina and insists everyone keep preparing Colm for his role as Mister Rietveld.

Inej returns with news that Nina's letter reached the Ravkan embassy and that Genya Safin and Zoya Nazyalensky will meet them at the hotel baths. Wylan learns Genya may be able to undo Nina's tailoring and restore his real face, and he insists he is done pretending to be Kuwei. Inej declines to attend the Ravkan meeting because of Ravka's treatment of the Suli, prompting Nina to reckon with her country's flaws.

Before the meeting, Jesper tries to clear the air with Wylan about kissing Kuwei by mistake. Wylan is hurt that Jesper could confuse them, but Jesper gives Wylan a childhood miniature painted by Wylan's mother, hoping it will help Genya reconstruct Wylan's true features. Wylan accepts the gift and agrees to let Jesper accompany him.

At the baths, Kaz and Jesper meet Genya, Zoya, and the privateer Sturmhond, who has authority to negotiate for Ravka. Kaz takes Sturmhond aside to discuss Kuwei and the auction, leaving Wylan to negotiate with Genya himself. Genya agrees to try restoring Wylan's face, using the portrait, the reward poster, and her Tailor's kit while Jesper watches.

Genya slowly reverses Nina's work, and Wylan gradually regains his own blue eyes and familiar face. During the process, Wylan openly tells Genya he cannot read, using his own vulnerability to challenge Jesper's secrecy about being Grisha. Later, with Wylan restored, Wylan pushes Jesper to consider whether his Fabrikator power helps his remarkable shooting, then calms Jesper's panic and kisses him. Jesper returns the kiss and admits he desperately hopes they survive.