Isla wakes in her room after being shot, with Grim holding the remaining Wildling healing elixirs. The arrow is gone, leaving only a mark over her heart, and Isla realizes the heart must have kept her alive long enough to be healed. Because only certain rulers can wield the heart, Isla understands that her survival may mean she has fulfilled part of the prophecy by using it.

Grim tells Isla that while searching a hidden Moonling shop for more remedies, he found an old Wildling elixir that revived Celeste. Isla rushes to Celeste, who confirms that Azul attacked her, though Celeste does not know why. Isla tells Celeste that she found and wielded the heart, apologizes for being a poor friend and partner, and promises to make everything right before hurrying away.

At dusk, Oro flies into Isla’s room through the fading sunlight, burning himself to reach her, and confirms she is alive. Oro gives Isla the heart, trusting her with Lightlark’s most important object, then orders her to clean up and meet him in the library. Isla bathes with the heart nearby, aware that it is calling to her with power and that Terra and the island are running out of time.

In the library, Isla and Oro discuss the prophecy. Isla argues that the rulers were joined during the Centennial and that she repeated the original offense by wielding the heart. Oro says Isla will officially win when the final requirement is met: a ruling line must end. Isla immediately chooses to save Starling, believing that will protect Celeste, but Oro reveals that Nightshade must die instead.

Isla pleads against Grim’s death, arguing that Cleo may have spun the curses and tried to kill Isla, and that Azul attacked Celeste. Oro refuses to condemn all Moonlings for Cleo’s alleged crimes and explains that Azul’s secret plan was to sacrifice himself and his realm to end the curses. Isla then begins to suspect Ella may have helped orchestrate betrayals, since Ella had access to key information and the castle.

Realizing her efforts to find the heart may have ensured Grim’s death, Isla begs Oro to reconsider. Oro insists Nightshade is too dangerous, especially because Grim can travel instantly between realms. Isla accuses Oro of deciding behind her back with other rulers, draws a dagger, and presses it to Oro’s throat. Oro dares her to kill him, but Isla only holds the blade there before leaving with it.