Hours after Yrene and Chaol become lovers, Yrene rests against Chaol and reflects on how profoundly the night has changed her. The intimacy gives Yrene a sense of safety, joy, comfort, and belonging, and Chaol’s thoughtful locket makes Yrene feel seen in a way she cannot ignore.

Yrene tells Chaol that the mountains and waves on the locket are not entirely accurate as a symbol of what Yrene accomplished alone. Yrene explains that while Yrene crossed the mountains by herself, another person made it possible for Yrene to cross the sea to Antica.

Yrene recounts being trapped in Innish with no way to leave until a mysterious young woman arrived at the inn. When mercenaries cornered Yrene in an alley, the woman intervened, fought them, and taught Yrene how to defend herself. When more men arrived, the woman deliberately forced Yrene into a controlled test, and Yrene used the lesson to disable a man holding a knife to Yrene’s throat.

The woman urged Yrene to fight for Yrene’s life, leave Innish, and go to Antica if that was what Yrene wanted. After Yrene tended the woman’s wounds, the woman disappeared and left Yrene gold, a ruby brooch, and a note saying, For wherever you need to go—and then some. The world needs more healers.

Yrene reveals that this note, not the brooch, is what Yrene has always carried for courage, and Yrene has now placed it inside Chaol’s locket. Yrene also explains that Yrene teaches women self-defense at the Torre to honor the stranger’s instruction. Chaol reassures Yrene that none of it is silly and says Chaol will always be grateful to whoever helped Yrene reach Antica.