Gabriel resumes his account with the group two weeks after parting from Lachlan. Gabriel, Dior, Celene, and Phoebe have ridden west through Nordlund, the Scarmoors, and into the Nightstone Mountains, trying to stay ahead of the Voss. The cold, dwindling supplies, and uncertainty strain them, though Celene has strengthened Bear and Pony by feeding them her blood.

As they search for Jènoah, Celene explains that he was once one of the greatest Esani warriors, second only to Mother Maryn, and that his halls should offer sanctuary and answers. Dior worries about what such a hidden vampire might feed on, while Gabriel remembers unsettling hints that the Esani were once described as cannibals. Celene insists that Dior’s arrival will be glorious, but Gabriel remains distrustful.

Phoebe, still in her lion wealdshape, returns from scouting and leads the party onward. They find two enormous ancient statues: the Father and the Son, showing the Almighty and the Redeemer. Dior stands in the shadow of the Son, her ancestor, but Phoebe’s warning draws Gabriel’s attention to the pass behind them.

Gabriel sees Alba and Aléne Voss, the Terrors and eldest children of the Forever King, pursuing them across the snow. Celene says they are close to Cairnhaem and that no child of Voss will enter sacred Esani ground, so the party flees. Under a violent storm and a mounting sense of supernatural dread, they reach a bridge leading to a vast cathedral-like fortress carved into the mountainside.

Celene warns everyone to behave carefully before Jènoah, whom she describes as ancient, powerful, and able to reveal Dior’s truth. The group enters Cairnhaem and finds an immense circular hall covered in pages from the Testaments. Celene kneels and announces that Wulfric is dead and that she has brought the promised Scion of Heaven to learn the truth and save the world.

No one answers. As Gabriel lights the hall, the party realizes Cairnhaem is not a sanctuary but a tomb: Testaments are burned away, old blood stains the walls, and abandoned clothes and armor contain only grey ashes. Celene breaks down in fury and grief, and Dior understands the devastating implication that Jènoah, their hoped-for source of answers and safety, is dead.