Nesryn visits her aunt Zahida and uncle Brahim in the Runni Quarter while her cousins are at school. The comfortable Balruhni household, its courtyards, family customs, and familiar architecture stir homesickness and worry in Nesryn, especially because her own family has escaped Rifthold but remains unaccounted for on a dangerous continent.

Brahim joins Nesryn and Zahida, and the family speaks warmly about food, school, and Nesryn’s singing for the children during an earlier visit. The easy affection reminds Nesryn what is at stake if Erawan’s forces spread beyond Adarlan.

Nesryn then explains the real reason for her visit: a healer was murdered at the Torre by an intruder, and the method resembles enemies from Adarlan. Nesryn does not reveal everything about the Valg, Erawan, the Wyrdkeys, or Sartaq, but Nesryn warns Zahida and Brahim that the danger may be connected to her presence and asks them to hire more guards.

Zahida and Brahim accept the warning without blaming Nesryn. Zahida decides the family will hire additional guards and escorts for the children and for any travel in the city, while Brahim worries about Nesryn moving around Antica alone. Nesryn reassures them that Nesryn can protect herself, though Nesryn withholds the extent of her experience fighting Valg.

After the family meal, Zahida slyly says she had expected Nesryn to bring a guest. Nesryn assumes Zahida means Chaol, but Zahida reveals she means Prince Sartaq, since rumors have spread that Nesryn rode with Sartaq on Kadara. Nesryn tries to downplay it, and Zahida, recognizing the broader military stakes, observes that the ruks will not fear wyverns.