Aedion trains in the warehouse with Rowan while still recovering from his side wound. Aelin had allowed the exercise only because Aedion insisted he was fit to fight, but Aedion is also using the pain to distract himself from learning that he is half Fae, that Gavriel is his father, and that Lorcan may be hunting Aelin in Rifthold.

When Aelin tries to end the session for Aedion's safety, Aedion pushes Rowan into another bout. Rowan easily defeats him, worsening Aedion's pain, then quietly warns Aedion not to ignore Aelin's orders or speak harshly to Aelin again. Afterward, Rowan tells Aedion that Aelin's future court must be built on a shared code: to protect and serve Aelin, one another, and Terrasen.

Lysandra arrives with clothes for Rowan after Nesryn's message and privately gives Aelin news from Arobynn: two prison wagons full of missing people were seen heading south to Morath. Lysandra explains that Arobynn has realized former magic-wielding bloodlines are being targeted and is researching his clients' hidden lineages for leverage, which makes him more dangerous to Aelin.

Aelin asks Lysandra about Lysandra's debts to Clarisse. Lysandra says Clarisse keeps increasing the amount because of Evangeline's beauty, trapping Lysandra and Evangeline under threat of pursuit. Aelin offers to kill Clarisse whenever Lysandra asks, and Lysandra does not reject the promise, only says not yet.

Later, Chaol comes to the warehouse, unsettled by Rowan's presence, and studies maps Aelin wants filled in with information about castle defenses and the sewers. Aelin asks whether Chaol knew the prisoners had been taken toward Morath; when Chaol says no, Aelin urges him to ambush the wagons and warns him to bring tools for warded locks and reinforced doors.

Aelin also warns Chaol to avoid the sewers because there are worse dangers than Valg grunts, but Chaol refuses to abandon people trapped there. Their conversation remains tense over Dorian and Aelin's coming move to free magic. As Chaol leaves, Chaol decides he will take precautions again because he believes Aelin may not spare Dorian next time.