Avery finds Grayson and tells him what happened to his father, but Avery withholds the truth about Eve. Grayson reacts with a stony calm that makes Avery think Grayson wants to hit something, so Avery redirects Grayson's anger into sword practice.

As Grayson corrects Avery's stance and reminds Avery to let the blade do the work, Avery reflects on their history: Grayson's arrogance when Avery first met him, their bargains and promises, and the moments that connected them. Avery recognizes how much Avery and Grayson have in common, especially their tendency to hold themselves back.

Avery tells Grayson about a dream from Avery's coma in which Jameson was angry that Grayson had not run toward Avery when Avery was near death. Avery explains that Avery is not angry, because Avery understands what it feels like to freeze, to lose someone, and to avoid wanting things.

By speaking openly to Grayson, Avery marks a turning point for herself. Avery decides that the person Avery is becoming can no longer live scared, and that inheriting the world means Avery must take control and be willing to risk wanting and acting.