Raquella summons Valya and Dorotea to discuss Anna Corrino, but Dorotea first raises alarm that Sister Ingrid has disappeared. Raquella redirects the conversation to Anna, asking Dorotea for insight from Dorotea’s time with the Corrinos. Dorotea describes Anna as spoiled and untested, while Valya notes that Anna’s brothers have always shielded her from consequences.

Raquella decides that keeping Anna safe is not enough; the Sisterhood must try to make the Emperor’s sister stronger and loyal to them. Dorotea argues that Anna needs the same hard training as other acolytes, and Raquella orders a survival quest into the jungle with Valya and Dorotea accompanying Anna. Valya understands that Raquella also wants Dorotea away from the cliff city because Dorotea is asking questions about Ingrid.

Three days into the harsh jungle exercise, Anna is miserable and resistant. She complains about walking, insects, food, water, and sleeping outdoors, while Valya and Dorotea try to keep her alive and moving. Valya privately resents being controlled but recognizes the opportunity to spend time with Anna, and she thinks of Griffin’s hunt for Vorian Atreides.

As the group climbs toward thermal pools, Dorotea again questions Ingrid’s disappearance. Before Valya can do more than deflect, a tusked beast charges from the underbrush. Valya and Dorotea move to protect Anna, and Valya kills the animal with exceptional combat skill, impressing both Anna and Dorotea. Valya uses the moment to show Anna the value of learning to defend herself.

Volcanic activity suddenly destabilizes the area, sending steam and scarlet magma into the jungle, so the group abandons the hot springs and heads back toward the cliff city. During the return through rain and undergrowth, Dorotea finds the torn remains of Ingrid, including an acolyte robe and a Butlerian charm. Anna assumes Ingrid fell from the cliff and was eaten by animals, but Dorotea is suspicious because Ingrid was sure-footed.

Valya realizes predators must have dragged Ingrid’s body from the deeper place where Valya and Raquella left it. To control the situation, Valya says Sisterhood custom requires leaving the body to nature and comforts Dorotea while monitoring Dorotea’s reaction. Anna shows jealousy at Valya’s attention to Dorotea, but Valya remains focused on preventing further dangerous questions.