After leaving House Benette, Diem confronts Henri in anger, furious that the mission nearly got her killed and suspicious about what happened to Evanie. Henri is shocked that Diem actually reached Evrim Benette’s private office and stole documents, because the test was primarily meant to prove Diem would try, not succeed.

Henri examines the copied papers and realizes Diem has gathered exceptionally valuable intelligence about Benette’s business, including names from a ledger and overheard talk of shipments, explosives research, Sophos, and orders from Fortos. Henri’s pride gives Diem a rare sense of being respected for her own courage and ability, not merely as her parents’ daughter.

The celebration falters when Henri admits some Guardians doubted Diem because of her father’s history as a high-ranking army officer who fought rebels. Diem defends her father as someone who may have acted within a morally complicated system, but the exchange forces Diem to recognize that joining the Guardians may place her against her own family. Diem decides that inaction is impossible and convinces herself she can help shape the rebellion’s methods honorably.

That evening, Henri brings Diem to a hidden Guardian entrance behind a shabby tavern. A burly guard refuses to let Diem inside without approval and manhandles her, so Diem punches him hard enough to earn his amused interest rather than his hostility. Henri is sent in alone to speak with the Father while Diem trades threats and insults with the guard.

The Father and two other Guardian men come out to question Diem. Diem shows the stolen documents and recounts what Diem saw and overheard, deliberately withholding information about the children at House Benette. The Guardians are impressed but divided, with some arguing that a Bellator should remain off-limits and that Diem’s presence will cause trouble.

The Father decides Diem is an adult capable of choosing her own loyalties, then asks the guard whether Diem is worth the risk. The guard, entertained by Diem’s defiance, says the Guardians need more people like Diem. With that endorsement, the Father welcomes Diem into the Guardians of the Everflame.