Chaol spends the evening in the Torre kitchens with Yrene, where Cook insists on feeding him until both Chaol and Yrene are nearly overwhelmed. Because it is late and Chaol is still at risk after the library attack, Yrene and Cook insist he stay overnight in a ground-level room in the physicians’ complex. Yrene checks the movement in his feet, and Chaol thinks about the old books and scrolls they removed from the library before thanking Yrene for everything.

The next morning, Eretia escorts Chaol back to the palace while Yrene meets with Hafiza. In the courtyard, Chaol notices for the first time that Shen has a finely made metal forearm and hand. Shen explains that he lost his arm defending Prince Arghun and that Yrene healed what she could; Shen’s calm dignity and continued service as an elite guard force Chaol to reconsider his assumptions about injury, strength, and help.

Chaol returns to his rooms and finds his note to Nesryn unread, with Nesryn’s own letter beneath it. Realizing she has left with Sartaq for the ruk aeries, Chaol is overcome with guilt. Chaol thinks of how he brought Nesryn to Antica, relied on her, and let their uncertain relationship continue while his feelings and needs shifted, and he recognizes that he has treated her unfairly.

That afternoon, Yrene arrives cheerful after a successful report to Hafiza, but Chaol is withdrawn and cold. Yrene tries to guide him into a healthy exercise routine, but Chaol drives himself harshly through set after set, using exertion to avoid speaking about what has happened. Yrene recognizes that training used to be Chaol’s refuge and challenges him about how it feels to have lost that escape, but Chaol refuses to answer and eventually orders her out.

Angry and concerned, Yrene leaves Chaol’s rooms and finds Hasar, who casually reveals that Nesryn left with Sartaq the previous afternoon after leaving notes behind. Yrene understands that this is the source of Chaol’s anger and decides not to confront him immediately, knowing she might push him too far. Restless and needing to act, Yrene leaves the palace for the poor districts of Antica, following the sound of coughing as she returns to helping the sick.