Chaol and Yrene hurry back through Antica to the Torre, newly hopeful after learning that Aelin has gathered an army. Chaol resolves to make one final appeal to the khagan for aid, but first Yrene wants Hafiza and the Torre’s books, because their knowledge about Valg possession may prove more valuable than weapons.

As Chaol and Yrene climb to Hafiza’s office, Yrene feels the coming cost of leaving the Torre and returning home with Chaol. When they reach the top, Hafiza’s office and workroom are empty, though the locked bookcase remains secure. Yrene questions Eretia and nearby healers, who all insist Hafiza has been in the workroom all day and has not come out.

Yrene and Chaol begin to worry that Hafiza has vanished rather than simply stepped away. On Yrene’s landing, they find Hafiza’s iron key hidden beneath Yrene’s door. Because Hafiza would not abandon the key carelessly, Yrene and Chaol realize Hafiza likely knew danger was coming and hid the key where Yrene might find it.

Yrene alerts the Torre guard quietly, but Chaol argues that formal search parties may take too long and that splitting up could make them vulnerable. They check the main gate and delivery entrance, where guards confirm Hafiza did not leave and no wagons departed after Eretia last saw her. Chaol concludes Hafiza must still be on the premises unless there is another forgotten exit.

Yrene remembers rumors of old tunnels beneath the library, possibly leading outside the Torre. She and Chaol race to the library and question Nousha, who recognizes the danger and starts to reach for an alarm bell. Yrene stops her, fearing the culprit will be warned, and Nousha gives directions to the sealed tunnels while Chaol orders her to summon guards quietly after them.