Cassian senses a major storm approaching Windhaven just before Solstice. Because the camp may be snowed in for days, Cassian cancels training for girls and males alike, limits patrols to those capable of enduring brutal weather, and watches the camp prepare with unusual urgency.

Knowing some families may be poorly supplied, Cassian goes to the camp’s small craftsman center and enters the clothier’s shop. There Cassian meets Emerie, the daughter of the late shopkeeper Proteus, and immediately notices the brutal scars on Emerie’s wings that show Emerie has been clipped. Emerie is guarded but direct, making clear that Proteus died in the war and that the shop now belongs to Emerie.

Cassian observes that Emerie’s shelves are well stocked while the general store across the road is sold out, suggesting that many in the camp avoid Emerie’s shop. Cassian buys every piece of winter gear Emerie has—gloves, scarves, boots, and coats—and insists that Emerie charge him the proper cost rather than treat the purchase as charity.

After paying, Cassian gives Emerie extra money for delivery and asks Emerie to distribute the supplies before sundown to the camp’s neediest families. Emerie admits that many of those people dislike Emerie, but Cassian replies that they dislike Cassian too and frames the act as useful advertising. Cassian asks Emerie to say the goods came from the High Lord rather than from Cassian.

Emerie agrees and shows the same steel Cassian recognizes in Nesta, making Cassian wonder what might happen if the two women ever met. As Cassian leaves, Cassian reflects on Proteus’s wealth and war service, but also on Emerie’s clipped wings; Cassian’s anger suggests that the approaching storm may mirror a deeper, long-building upheaval within Illyrian society.