Isla receives her invitation for the next demonstration and learns that her turn is next. Still unsettled by Grim’s unexpected help the previous night, she decides to seek him out despite knowing the choice is risky and that Celeste would disapprove.

While heading toward the marketplace bar where Grim sometimes appears, Isla is stopped by Azul. Isla fears Azul may know she was disguised on Sky Isle, but refusing his invitation would seem suspicious, so she agrees to let him show her a Mainland wonder.

As they walk toward the mountains, Azul discusses past Centennials. He says the first was chaotic, later ones became more organized, and the rulers once believed they were close to breaking the curses. Azul also reveals that Cleo skipped the fourth Centennial, raising Isla’s concern about why Cleo returned this time, and he admits he may not have the will to attend another.

Azul then explains that Sky Isle has no nobles and has been governed democratically since he came to power, with elected officials and votes guiding major decisions. At the mountain, Azul uses his wind power to play tunnels carved through the rock like an instrument, turning Isla’s suspicion into genuine wonder and easing the tension between them.

After Azul escorts Isla back near dusk, Isla goes to Grim’s room instead of the marketplace. To repay the debt she feels she owes him for hiding her from Cleo, Isla tells Grim that her demonstration is the next day and reveals its purpose: each ruler must show something valuable their realm has created for Lightlark’s future. Grim accepts the information without teasing, and Isla later lies awake wondering if she has made a serious mistake.