In Brunskar, Apollo and Frey discuss their next move against the enemies on Specter Isle. They agree Franka cannot be trusted, decide to keep sending random dragon attacks to drain the island's magic, and consider calling on the elves through Frey's adela branch. At the same time, Apollo notices that Christophe is pointedly avoiding both Maddie and his sister Élan, but he postpones dealing with it until the party is safely moving toward Karsvall.

That night, after a private talk with Christophe produces no explanation, Apollo and Maddie compare what they saw. Apollo realizes Christophe's withdrawal began when he saw Maddie dressed for the gale, because Apollo used to bring young Christophe to say goodnight to Ilsa while she prepared for social evenings, so the sight stirred grief and recognition. When Maddie says decisions about Christophe are not really her place, Apollo firmly rejects that idea, tells her he expects her to be his wife, and says she will help him raise his children. Maddie is deeply moved by being given that place in his life, and the conversation ends in tenderness and renewed intimacy.

Three days later, during the journey, Maddie sees that Christophe is still keeping his distance, which also hurts Élan because the siblings are close companions. Finnie becomes Maddie's confidante, agrees that Christophe is remembering his mother, and says Apollo once helped her through her own dark grief over nearly losing Frey. Finnie also tells Maddie she is happy Apollo has found joy again and that Maddie brings him smiles and laughter. Maddie values the friendship and admires the warmth between Finnie, Frey, and their son Viktor, but comparing herself to that strong family bond leaves her feeling increasingly hollow.

As the days continue, Apollo deliberately creates family time with Maddie and his children, and he also asks Maddie to keep watching the growing tension between Loretta and Hans. In another private conversation, Maddie asks about Apollo's strange bond with wolves, and he explains that the Head of House Ulfr can command them, call on them in war, and avenge them if they die in his service. He also explains that urgent messages are sent by bird. Maddie connects Apollo's wolf-command to the unusual powers held by the other men linked to women from her world, but instead of feeling important herself, she feels more ordinary and inadequate.

Five evenings later, Apollo and Maddie share another intensely intimate night, and Apollo treats her trust and surrender as precious gifts. His gratitude should comfort her, but instead it sharpens her insecurity. Remembering a cruel accusation that she only fills a dead wife's place, Maddie concludes that Apollo can give her safety, home, friendship, and a future, while all she truly has to offer in return is her body. By the end of the chapter, she decides she will keep giving him that because she believes it is all she has.