In a flashback set nine months and twenty-nine days before the Emperor’s murder, Harrowhark Nonagesimus gives Ianthe Tridentarius twenty-four letters. Two are meant for Ianthe to open only if Harrow dies or if another unnamed event occurs; the remaining twenty-two are protected by an elaborate code and curse meant to keep Ianthe from prying.

Harrow, newly a Lyctor and stripped of her usual face paint, has prepared for an extreme procedure on her own brain. Ianthe warns that the operation may fail, may work only temporarily, or may cause serious physical and neurological consequences. Ianthe demands to know Harrow’s full plan, arguing that she needs assurance Harrow is not about to destroy herself.

Harrow refuses to explain the details but clarifies why Harrow chose Ianthe. Harrow insults Ianthe’s morals and methods, yet admits Ianthe is brilliant and understands what it means to be “fractured.” Ianthe urges Harrow to stop running from Lyctorhood and accept the power Harrow has gained, but Harrow insists they are more beholden than ever.

When Harrow opens her eyes, one is black and the other gold, emphasizing the unresolved transformation Harrow is trying to manage. Harrow orders Ianthe to open her skull, guide the surgery, and let Harrow do the rest herself. Bound by an oath, Ianthe begins the operation despite calling it demented and dangerous.

Afterward, Harrow sleeps and may never wake. Ianthe examines the results but cannot fully determine what Harrow has done because of Lyctoral privacy and the limits of what she was allowed to observe. In petty retaliation, Ianthe stimulates Harrow’s hair growth so Harrow will need constant haircuts.

Ianthe watches Harrow breathe and interprets the act as destructive, romantic, and foolish. Ianthe muses aloud that she might someday marry Harrow, though probably not for Harrow’s good, then leaves to “see a man about a queen.”