After nightfall, Gabriel, Dior, and Isla search the ruins of Aveléne while Phoebe tends the rescued children, Lachlan scouts, and Celene keeps apart. The intact outer gates and slaughtered gatehouse guards deepen the mystery: Isla says the Dead were already inside when the attack began, hurling boulders through the city with impossible strength.

Inside the château walls, Gabriel finds the keep shattered, the chapel burned, and evidence that Aaron fought a highblood before being struck by a massive rock. Gabriel discovers Aaron’s broken sword, Mahné, trapped in the masonry beside a crushed boot, and is forced to confront the likelihood that his brother is dead. Celene presses the need to leave for Cairnhaem and Master Jènoah, while Dior worries about abandoning the children.

Gabriel decides everyone must flee north immediately to avoid the Dyvok. The rescued children gather supplies and leave Aveléne under his command. During the departure, a young girl named Mila gives Gabriel the golden vial she found after the battle, calling him a good man despite his foul language, which quietly moves him.

The group reaches a ruined fisherhovel after hours of travel and shelters there. As Gabriel cooks what food he has scavenged, the children describe the attackers as smoke and speak of a red-soaked figure in black; Isla connects the attack to the fall of Dún Cuinn and breaks down in despair, wishing she had not been rescued. Gabriel rebukes her for wishing herself dead, while Dior calls him heartless and Phoebe argues that grief cannot become surrender.

Celene returns from scouting and finds no pursuit, but insists the group must continue west to find Jènoah. Phoebe challenges Celene and urges Dior to go instead to the Highlands, where Phoebe’s people have awaited Dior and can offer sanctuary and old magiks. Dior is torn between the larger mission and the frightened children, so Gabriel postpones the decision until morning and reassures the children that he will guard them until dawn.