The morning after their wedding night, Talasyn wakes Alaric by throwing a pillow at him so he can scramble from the floor back onto the bed before Jie enters. Jie, clearly assuming the couple consummated their marriage, ushers Talasyn away to get ready while Alaric is left stewing in regret and disbelief over what happened between them—replaying the memory of her cries, her touch, and the way she called him by name for the first time.

Talasyn is summoned to Urduja's salon, where the Zahiya-lachis reminds her of the political stakes. Urduja reveals that the Sardovian remnant cannot remain in Nenavar indefinitely; the alliance with Kesath must hold until the Night of the World-Eater, after which the Sardovians must either reclaim the Northwest Continent within a year or potentially be expelled. Talasyn is furious, pointing out that Urduja promised them shelter, but her grandmother coldly explains that she is buying time—Nenavarene shipwrights are repairing and magically upgrading the Sardovian fleet while Vela prepares her plans. Urduja then attempts to restrict Talasyn further, ordering her to stay in Eskaya, attend lessons, and avoid contact with the Sardovians.

Emboldened by her growing awareness of her own leverage, Talasyn pushes back. She reminds Urduja that as both Lachis'ka and future Night Empress, she is indispensable—the only remaining female heir and the only Lightweaver who can stop the Voidfell. Talasyn demands freedom of movement within Nenavar, access to Ahimsa's technology, and unfettered use of the Belian nexus point, in exchange for diligently attending her lessons and public duties. Urduja, after a tense pause, agrees. Talasyn also privately resolves to investigate her mother Hanan's past through the Light Sever.

At breakfast, Alaric broods over the previous night, torn between believing their encounter was genuine and hearing his father's voice warning him that Talasyn may be manipulating him. Afterward, Alaric and Talasyn share a stilted farewell outside the palace, watched by servants and companions. They agree that what happened between them was a product of heightened emotions and cannot be repeated. Talasyn quotes their earlier exchange—"Hate is another kind of passion"—and Alaric confirms it, though both seem pained by the agreement.

Before departing, Alaric makes an unexpected offer: he will look into the whereabouts of Talasyn's friend Khaede at the Citadel and try to arrange a meeting, or even her release, when Talasyn comes to Kesath for her coronation as Night Empress. Talasyn is moved and asks to bring Khaede back to Nenavar. Alaric, aware this borders on treason, agrees to try. Their exchange is interrupted by a violent flare of the Voidfell on the southern horizon, a reminder of the existential battle they must face together in four months. Alaric boards his shallop and departs without looking back. Talasyn watches him go, her mind full of plans and her lips still burning with the memory of his kisses, suppressing the forbidden thought that she wants it to happen again.