After finding Azul’s ring in Celeste’s hand, Isla concludes that Azul poisoned Celeste. Isla reconsiders the overheard argument between Oro and Azul about ending a realm and realizes Azul may have meant Starling, not Moonling. Isla feels guilt for not warning Celeste sooner and struggles with the growing sense that every truth she uncovers keeps shifting.

Remembering the oracle’s warning that answers will soon be revealed, Isla goes to the Place of Mirrors and uses the black diamond at her throat to summon Grim. Because Grim’s power does not work there, Grim arrives by foot, frantic and afraid Isla has been hurt. Isla immediately confronts Grim about hiding that Wildlings helped create Lightlark alongside Sunlings and Nightshades.

Grim admits he knew but says some truths are better discovered in time. Grim explains that Isla was already frightened, powerless, and burdened by the Centennial and the fate of Wild Isle, so Grim did not want to overwhelm her. Isla remains distrustful, especially after Azul’s betrayal and Cleo’s attempts on Isla’s life, and asks whether Grim is hiding anything else.

Grim acknowledges there are things he has not told Isla, but instead of revealing political information, Grim confesses the depth of his longing for her. Grim says Isla has ruined and tormented him since they met, occupying his thoughts constantly. The confession transforms Isla’s anger into desire, and the two kiss.

The confrontation turns into an intense romantic encounter in the Place of Mirrors. Isla and Grim remove their crowns, symbolically setting aside their roles as rulers, and become physically intimate. Isla notices a scar near Grim’s heart, but Grim deflects the question with a darkly playful comment, keeping at least part of his past still unresolved.