With the tailor aware that clothes have gone missing, Isla and Celeste face increased urgency: if the rulers learn of the robbery, Isla could fall under suspicion before she finds the bondbreaker. Isla cannot search the libraries yet because Celeste’s demonstration must happen first, providing the final element Isla needs for the hunt.

Oro sends Celeste the formal notice for her trial, and Celeste chooses to hold it immediately in the Hall of Glass. Isla follows Ella through an ancient wing of the Mainland castle, passing portraits of Sunling leaders, including Oro’s brother and predecessor, King Egan. The sight makes Isla reflect on Oro’s age, isolation, and the cruelty of the Sunling curse.

In the Hall of Glass, Celeste stands among Starling nobles in a glasslike cape, while Oro, Cleo, Azul, and Grim arrive with varying entourages. Isla notices that she and Grim are both alone, but she reminds herself that Grim remains her enemy despite the strange understanding in his gaze.

Celeste reveals an ancient Starling mirror and announces a trial of fear: each ruler must confront and conquer their greatest fear, and the first to do so wins. Isla knows the relic can trap someone forever, but Celeste has chosen it for reasons connected to their plan rather than merely to display power.

Oro completes the trial in three minutes, Azul in five, Cleo in under two, Grim in just under three, and Celeste in five. Cleo’s speed alarms Isla, while Azul emerges visibly haunted. As Isla’s turn arrives, dread overtakes her because failure would expose weakness or trap her inside the relic.

Isla approaches the mirror under the silent scrutiny of the room. When Isla presses her shaking fingers to the glass, the mirror shifts, and something violently pulls her through.