Nesryn returns from searching Antica for signs of Valg and finds nothing. Troubled by the realization that Chaol spoke to her the previous night out of guilt rather than desire, Nesryn avoids returning to their suite and climbs to the palace aerie, where Kadara is feeding.

Sartaq joins Nesryn, explaining that palace spies told Sartaq where Nesryn had gone. Nesryn admits she wanted quiet after exhausting time with her family, and Sartaq connects this to Sartaq's own difficult royal family. Sartaq says Kadara and the rukhin are Sartaq's true family because love requires trust, something Sartaq cannot rely on from Sartaq's siblings or parents.

Sartaq reveals Sartaq is leaving soon for the rukhin's mountain aeries to seek the answers Sartaq and Nesryn discussed earlier about possible Valg threats. Sartaq asks Nesryn to come, but Nesryn hesitates because Nesryn had promised to discuss the matter with Chaol and because Sartaq is departing within the hour.

As servants load Kadara for the journey, Nesryn learns the route will take several days and that Sartaq does not fly at night because even riders can fall asleep and die. Nesryn remembers seeing Chaol's toes move in his sleep and realizes Chaol's healing is progressing, but Nesryn also recognizes that staying with Chaol out of honor and pity would stifle them both.

Nesryn chooses the new path before Nesryn: a journey into Nesryn's homeland, a chance to search for answers against Morath, and perhaps an opportunity to return with allies. Nesryn tells Sartaq yes, writes one loving warning note to Nesryn's aunt and uncle and one brief note to Chaol releasing both of them from promises, then mounts Kadara with Sartaq.

Before they take off, Sartaq confesses Sartaq had been praying Nesryn would agree to come. Nesryn admits Nesryn had been hoping the same, and the two depart Antica on Kadara, flying toward the Tavan Mountains.