Diem attends her first full Guardians meeting and is surprised by the makeup of the rebel cell. Instead of only fighters, she sees women, children, elders, workers, a former classmate, and Lana, one of her own healer trainees. Diem feels exposed and unwelcome under the scrutiny of the room, especially because her presence among rebels now makes her own broken healer vows impossible to deny.

Vance, called the Father, opens the meeting with Brant and Francis beside him. Henri explains that Vance currently leads the Lumnos cell because the woman who usually leads the Guardians is away on a mission. Henri then pranks Diem by inventing a terrifying initiation involving confessions, nudity, and drinking blood, causing Diem to nearly draw Brecke’s knife and flee before Henri admits there is no such rite.

Vance publicly praises recent missions, including Samyra’s delivery and Diem’s theft of valuable documents from Evrim Benette’s office. The applause embarrasses Diem, and Lana’s judgmental look deepens Diem’s shame. Vance then sternly reminds everyone that members’ identities must never be revealed, and Diem notices that Vance, Brant, and Francis still do not fully trust her because of the Bellator name.

Brecke arrives and congratulates Diem on joining, warming to her after Henri boasts about the stolen documents. When Brecke notices the knife he gave Diem, Diem reveals that she stabbed a Descended man who had attacked a mortal woman and half-mortal child. Brecke is delighted, but Henri is hurt that Diem hid the full story from him, exposing the growing pattern of secrets between them.

Brant begins assigning future missions, and Diem initially hangs back while experienced Guardians volunteer. When Brant asks for someone who can access the royal palace and move unseen on behalf of the Arboros cell, Henri insists the mission is perfect for Diem despite her fear of Prince Luther’s scrutiny. Pressured but inspired by the chance to make a meaningful mark, Diem accepts the dangerous palace mission.