Dior is locked in a cramped dungeon cell beneath Dún Maergenn after Lilidh forces blood into her mouth. Dior tries to vomit it up, then reclaims a measure of control by practicing the sword stances Gabriel taught her. While resting, Dior feels something moving under her clothes and discovers a tiny moth made of blood on her skin.

In the frame narrative, Jean-François realizes Celene never fully parted from Dior. Celene explains that a small fragment of Celene remained with Dior after Cairnhaem, though Celene was too badly burned to do more than listen and feel. Now strong enough to act through the fragment, Celene communicates by tapping: one tap for yes, two for no, and later by spelling slow words across Dior’s skin.

Dior is relieved to know Celene survives, but Celene cannot confirm that Gabriel lives and admits Celene is still hurt. Dior explains her danger: the Dyvok are treating people like cattle, feeding Dior blood, and trying to learn what Dior is. Dior fears that if Dior is thralled, Dior will reveal the Esana, Mother Maryn, Celene, and everything else.

Kiara arrives with Joaquin and Dogshank, who drag a broken Aaron into the cell opposite Dior’s. Aaron has been cleaned but is bound in thin silver chains. Soraya notes that bringing Nikita such prizes should earn a reward and reveals she needs another draught after spending her supply during the taking of Aveléne. Joaquin briefly meets Dior’s eyes with pity before leaving to help sort the human captives in the bailey.

After Kiara and Soraya leave, Dior prays for the dead and for Baptiste, but receives no sign. Exhausted and terrified, Dior notices Lilidh’s blood still on Dior’s lips and feels dread mixed with a troubling thrill before Celene’s touch steadies Dior. Once Dior falls asleep, Celene’s blood-moth fragment flies out to search Dún Maergenn, believing God has brought Celene to the resting place of Maryn, the powerful Esani ancien known as the Mother of Monsters.