Saeris wakes in Ammontraíeth with two puncture wounds on her thigh, confirming that the cottage encounter with Fisher was more than an ordinary dream. She hurries toward the library to seek Foley’s help with her dangerous magic, but Lorreth intercepts her and notices Fisher’s scent on her. Saeris explains that Fisher was truly present in the dream, and Lorreth provokes her into agreeing to train first because Foley and the rest of the court are still asleep.

In a cold, bare training room, Lorreth gives Saeris a staff instead of a sword and frames the lesson as preparation for situations where Solace is unavailable. Saeris understands that Lorreth is also indirectly apologizing for starting trouble at the Fool’s Paradise. During the session, Saeris moves with remarkable speed and strength, anticipating Lorreth’s attacks and landing hard blows, which suggests that her shared dream with Fisher has changed or sharpened her abilities.

After training, Saeris asks whether Fisher is attached to Solace, because the sword is too large for her despite being powerful and meaningful as Fisher’s father’s weapon. Lorreth says Solace belongs to Saeris now and Fisher will not object if she changes it. Saeris plans to make relics in the forge later and considers speaking to the sword about her options.

Saeris then joins Foley in the library, where paper stargazers flutter overhead. Foley warns Saeris not to touch them because they may steal hair, which witches could use for harmful magic. Their conversation turns hostile when Foley claims Lorreth and the others abandoned him after Tal turned him into a vampire. Lorreth arrives and, because he cannot lie, insists that he, Fisher, Ren, and Danya sent many letters begging Foley to come home. Saeris concludes both men may be telling the truth and that the letters were likely intercepted.

Saeris’s hand runes flare and burn through her gloves, forcing Foley to examine them. Foley identifies the markings as an Alchimeran shield, explains that the quicksilver rune is especially inflamed because quicksilver is sentient and hungry for power, and rebukes Saeris for forcing her magic instead of partnering with it. Using an old Alchemical text, Foley teaches Saeris that she must practice basic exercises, build rapport with quicksilver, and understand foundational symbols such as the circle before she can safely seal her first rune. Lorreth agrees, so Saeris reluctantly accepts two hours of practice before forging relics.

As Saeris leaves, a stargazer cuts the back of her neck and then her cheek, apparently trying to get her attention. When the paper bird follows Saeris beyond the library door, it falls dead, severed from the magic that animated it. Saeris returns to the library hoping it will revive, but the stargazer remains lifeless; saddened, Saeris pockets the little paper creature and leaves.