After three days of refusing to speak to Lorcan, Elide is forced to break the silence when her cycle arrives heavily and she discovers the boat has no proper supplies. Embarrassed and in pain, Elide demands that Lorcan stop at the next town. Lorcan agrees, and their awkward exchange reveals that Elide’s body may be responding to steadier food and a rare sense of safety, despite Elide’s anger at Lorcan.

By nightfall, Lorcan brings the barge to a river town so Elide can buy what Elide needs. Elide disguises herself with a red kerchief and a nasal accent while bartering with an innkeeper, showing a more resourceful side than Lorcan has seen during their silence. Lorcan leaves Elide at the inn and searches the town for food and other supplies, still brooding over how to retaliate against Aelin.

While buying provisions, Lorcan notices that a merchant refers to Elide as "the lovely lady" even though Lorcan had not brought Elide near that part of the quay. The detail unsettles Lorcan, and Lorcan hurries back to the barge as fog rolls over the town. Lorcan’s magic warns that something is wrong, the streets empty too quickly, and rats flee into the river, making Lorcan realize danger is already present.

Meanwhile, the innkeeper sends Elide to a back room to try on clothes before buying them. Men in the inn watch Elide too closely, and once Elide enters the dark, cold room, the door snaps shut behind her. Elide tries to flee but runs into a leathery, foul-smelling creature.

A candle flares, revealing Vernon seated across the room and smiling at Elide. An ilken holds Elide in place with clawed hands, and Vernon greets Elide by noting the adventure Elide has had, confirming that Elide has been found and trapped by her uncle’s forces.