Diem drifts in and out of consciousness after the armory roof collapses. In pain and unable to open her eyes, Diem feels strong arms carrying her away while a royal voice orders others aside and commands them to find the Vice General to handle the remaining bombs.

The person carrying Diem speaks gently, promising Diem that she will survive. Though Diem is badly injured and barely aware, the familiar voice makes Diem feel deeply safe, even as the speaker sounds shaken and desperate. Diem tries to stay awake but falls back into darkness.

Later, Diem overhears the rescuer speaking with Eleanor. The rescuer explains that the Guardians attacked House Benette’s armory, and Diem went inside to save two guards from the fire before the roof caved in. Eleanor protests that Diem needs a healer, but the rescuer begs Eleanor to help anyway.

Eleanor leaves to find clothes for Diem, and the rescuer reveals unusual devotion by saying that even Lumnos could not pull him from Diem’s side. When Eleanor asks who Diem is to him, the rescuer hesitates and begins to admit that Diem may be something important to him before Diem loses consciousness again.

Diem wakes once more in warmth and softness, surrounded by a scent that reminds Diem of the forest and home. Someone holds Diem’s hand, sending a faint thread of energy through their joined skin, and speaks kindly to Diem as she slips back into darkness feeling safe.