After Ianthe passes her final hurdle and has her skeletal arm gilded by Augustine, Harrow hopes that saving Ianthe’s life might end Harrow’s debt. Ianthe refuses, making clear that she will call in the obligation when she chooses. Mercymorn then questions Harrow about Ianthe’s self-growing bone construct, abruptly tests Harrow with simple questions, and taps Harrow’s head. Mercymorn appears disturbed by what she finds or fails to find, calls Harrow either a genius, an imbecile, or both, and leaves in disgust.

Harrow tells Ianthe about Mercymorn’s behavior, but Ianthe dismisses Mercymorn as unstable. Because Ortus the First can break Harrow’s wards, Harrow has begun sleeping in Ianthe’s bed for safety, though the arrangement is humiliating and uncomfortable. During their conversation, Ianthe admits that Harrow’s survival is part of her larger strategy and explains that Augustine has agreed to distract God so Harrow can try to kill Ortus.

Ianthe says the assassination attempt will happen the next day after dinner. Augustine believes three Lyctors will be enough for the coming fight against Number Seven, and Ianthe can replace Ortus now that she is no longer considered a problem. Harrow accepts Ianthe’s help and admits that she cannot kill Ortus alone. The conversation then turns quieter: Ianthe speaks of Coronabeth, Harrow says she has always slept alone, and Ianthe asks whether Harrow regrets Canaan House, Lyctorhood, or the Mithraeum. Harrow says no.

The next afternoon, Augustine sends a formal dinner invitation to Ianthe and Harrow, with a note on the back telling them to come to his room beforehand. Harrow dislikes the plan’s resemblance to the previous disastrous dinner, but Ianthe insists and dresses Harrow in altered black fabric from an old garment. Harrow tolerates the process because Ianthe’s touch is clinical, though Harrow remains uneasy and resists jewellery and changes to her face paint.

Harrow and Ianthe go to Augustine’s rooms, where Augustine explains that he will draw God’s full attention while Harrow goes after Ortus, who usually leaves dinner for the training room. Augustine refuses to reveal the cue, warning that God might notice if they anticipate it. Mercymorn arrives unexpectedly as part of Augustine’s plan. Augustine swears by his cavalier’s sword not to reveal Mercymorn’s private business, then proposes “Dios apate, minor,” prompting Mercymorn to punch out his teeth before she and Augustine communicate in old, cryptic shorthand and she reluctantly accepts.

Mercymorn leaves after anxiously saying “White wine,” and Augustine judges the exchange a success. He prepares to escort Ianthe and Harrow to dinner, placing one on each arm, but warns them with sudden seriousness not to get involved in whatever happens that night. Ianthe silently signals confidence in Augustine’s cleverness as the conspirators move toward the dinner that will set the murder attempt in motion.