Archer wakes Saeris and Kingfisher with an urgent summons from Te Léna. Saeris first runs to Hayden, fearing her brother has worsened, but finds him still asleep and snoring. Archer redirects Saeris to Everlayne, whose room is crowded with Te Léna, Maynir, Danya, Fisher, and Carrion while Everlayne convulses violently on the bed.

Everlayne’s seizure terrifies everyone because it does not resemble her earlier episodes. Te Léna senses Everlayne’s mind as if it is awake but trapped behind an impenetrable wall. When Saeris touches Everlayne, Saeris feels a dark force pressing Everlayne down and senses Everlayne is not alone. A dread voice speaks through Everlayne, repeating that the gate is open and cannot be closed, before Everlayne collapses into stillness and Fisher leaves the room in shock.

The group gathers in the dining room to discuss possible causes. Maynir suggests the episode might be connected to the rot spreading toward Cahlish, though he admits this is only speculation. Fisher refuses to recall Renfis because the villages still need warning, then decides to abandon the border entirely, bring the warriors back to Cahlish, retrieve more books from Ammontraíeth, send Lorreth for Iseabail, and keep Te Léna watching over Everlayne and Hayden.

Saeris, Fisher, and Carrion return through the quicksilver to Ammontraíeth and find the tomb door barred from the outside. Fisher breaks it open and threatens two high bloods, Khol and Anterrin, who claim they were posted to watch for Belikon’s men. Fisher goes to find Foley and take Onyx to safety, while Saeris and Carrion head to find Tal. Along the way, Carrion observes how much Saeris hates the court’s forced kneeling, and Saeris explains that the court must fear her authority.

Saeris tells Carrion she can locate Tal because Tal is her sire, but she describes that bond as a leash, unlike her calm connection to Fisher. Outside Tal’s chambers, Saeris encounters Zovena, confirms Zovena is a Lord of Midnight and Keeper of Missives, and uses royal commands to protect Carrion from Zovena’s threats. Saeris then forces Zovena to admit she intercepted letters sent to Tal over the years and orders Zovena to deliver them to the library that day.

Before Saeris can dismiss Zovena, Tal opens the door to his chambers. Tal appears naked, blood-spattered, and aroused, casually asking Saeris either to join the activity inside or move along because Saeris is making Tal look like a poor host.