After Oro reveals during the truth-tea trial that he is dying, the rulers are thrown into chaos, but Oro leaves without explaining further and claims his victory. Isla understands that Oro's life is tied to Lightlark's survival, so his decline may mean the island itself is failing.

Late that night, Celeste visits Isla, shaken by how close the truth tea came to exposing them. Isla thanks Celeste for protecting her, and the two agree Oro's condition makes finding the bondbreaker even more urgent so they can break their curses and leave Lightlark before the king's death affects them.

Isla tells Celeste about the failed raid on Moon Isle's library and Cleo's likely suspicion. Celeste says she will try to learn about the Sun Isle library, where they now believe the bondbreaker must be hidden. Celeste hopes Oro will pair them together in two days, giving them an excuse to work openly, though she reassures Isla that Oro is unlikely to choose either of them.

On the twenty-fifth day of the Centennial, the rulers gather for the pairing ceremony. Azul demands an explanation for Oro's confession. Oro explains that since the last Centennial, Lightlark has been steadily weakening: elders have died, ancient buildings have collapsed, creatures have vanished, and the cold has worsened because Oro's own power can no longer keep the island warm and bright.

Oro reveals gray-blue decay spreading up his arm and says this Centennial may be their last chance to break the curses. He displays the oracle's riddle on the wall and explains that the line Only joined can the curses be undone is why the rulers must form teams, with the rule that no ruler may assassinate a partner.

While Isla only pretends to study the prophecy, she privately worries about how to enter Sun Isle without gold clothing and considers, then rejects, several risky ideas. Isla is so distracted that she misses Oro's announcement until he repeats it: despite both their apparent displeasure, Oro chooses Isla as his partner.