In Morath’s kitchens, Elide listens for details about upcoming supply wagons, hoping to use one to escape. Asterin Blackbeak enters and insists on helping Elide wash dishes, frightening the servants and isolating Elide for a quiet interrogation.

Asterin presses Elide about her chain, her childhood, and her mother’s line. Asterin reveals that Ironteeth witch blood passes through the maternal line and suggests Elide would have heard the wind calling if she had that blood. Elide denies being anything but human, but the revelation makes Elide fear Vernon brought her to Morath because the Valg might use her as they are using the Yellowlegs witches.

Panicked, Elide goes to Manon’s room and steals scattered coins, intending to bribe someone into helping her flee before Vernon can hand her over. Asterin catches Elide and admits the test proved Elide is not Vernon’s spy. Manon arrives, furious, and Asterin explains that Elide may have witch blood and may be in danger from Vernon.

Manon rejects Asterin’s attempt to claim Elide as one of theirs, reminding Asterin that humans are not to be helped and punishing her with stable duty. Still, Manon lets Elide keep the money and escorts Elide back, warning that bribery would fail and that the supply wagons are Elide’s only real chance of escape.

At Elide’s door, Vernon appears and taunts both Manon and Elide. Vernon reminds Elide that it is the anniversary of her father Cal Lochan’s execution, wounding Elide with guilt for forgetting. After Vernon leaves, Manon offers Elide a choice: claim red human blood and be left to Vernon’s mercy, or claim blue witch blood and fall under Manon’s jurisdiction.

Elide understands that Manon may be using her as bait to challenge Vernon, but the protection is better than nothing. Elide chooses blue blood, and Manon welcomes Elide to the Blackbeaks, leaving Elide frightened yet unexpectedly moved by a sense of belonging.