Rowan and Dorian arrive by skiff in storm-lashed Skull’s Bay after days of hard travel through the Dead Islands. Rowan is exhausted from steering the winds and scouting for enemies, while Dorian has been practicing small, controlled uses of ice magic under Rowan’s instruction.

They intend to approach the Pirate Lord Rolfe carefully and diplomatically, especially because Aelin’s previous visit to Skull’s Bay ended with major destruction to the harbor, Ship-Breaker chain, watchtower, town, and ships. Their first plan is to take rooms at the Ocean Rose, appear respectable, and then request an audience.

Before they can rest, Rowan senses a concealed, powerful presence in the storm. Dorian feels it too and describes it as old, feral, and ruthless, though not Valg; his magic is wary but curious. Rowan decides they must stay alert and trace the source.

In Dorian’s point of view, the two move through the nearly emptied city, observing Skull’s Bay’s strange mix of lawlessness and order under Rolfe’s rule. Dorian reflects on rumors of Rolfe’s tattooed hands, his soullessness, and the magical map that may now be active again after magic’s return.

The power leads them to the Sea Dragon, Rolfe’s personal tavern and headquarters. Inside, they find an empty trophy room where tables are made from the sterns of defeated ships. A tattooed barmaid informs them that the captain expected them and directs them upstairs to his office.

Dorian worries the invitation could be a trap, but Rowan reasons that Rolfe could have ambushed them more effectively if that were the goal. They pass armed guards and enter the indicated office, where Dorian finds the Pirate Lord not as expected, but lounging calmly on a red velvet chaise before the rain-streaked windows.