At the Black Mansion, Andreyen takes charge after Kel, Ji-An, Jerrod, and the wounded Merren return from Tyndaris. Lin is summoned to treat Merren, while Andreyen sends Kel and Ji-An to clean themselves up. As they recover, Kel asks Ji-An about Anjelica’s accusation concerning Geumseong, and Ji-An confirms that she loved Na Ri, whose family killed her, and that Ji-An then killed those responsible.

Kel and Ji-An report the events on Tyndaris to Andreyen: Elsabet Belmany, heir of Malgasi, orchestrated the Shining Gallery slaughter, used ancient magic, and is now blackmailing involved Charter Families into helping destabilize Castellane. Andreyen identifies the known conspirators as Liorada Alleyne, the Cabrols, and the Gremonts, but the group still does not know who else is involved, including the person close to Conor whom Elsabet mentioned. Lin argues that Kel should tell Jolivet because Conor and the Aurelians are in danger, but Andreyen warns that Jolivet would arrest many people indiscriminately, possibly endangering Antonetta. Kel decides to delay telling Jolivet and instead confront Ciprian Cabrol, hoping Ciprian will reveal the other conspirators.

Lin explains that the Malgasi would likely persecute the Ashkar of Castellane as they did in Favár, and Andreyen suggests that this may be why the Ashkar need a Goddess now. The tense discussion is interrupted by raised voices from Merren’s room. Kel finds Merren confronting Jerrod, angry that Jerrod killed Artal Gremont and denied Merren the chance for revenge. Jerrod reveals that Alys arranged for Artal’s protective amulet to be replaced because she did not want Merren to carry the burden of murder. Jerrod admits he did not want Merren changed by killing, then kisses Merren and leaves, declaring himself finished with them all.

Kel tries to follow Jerrod, but Jerrod vanishes from the Black Mansion. Andreyen says Jerrod may not return because the group’s struggle has moved beyond street violence into a dangerous conflict between nations. When no one refuses the risk, Andreyen turns their attention to the upcoming Solstice Ball and begins outlining a plan involving Ciprian Cabrol.

Later, Lin lies awake, troubled by what happened before she was summoned from the Sault. She recalls telling Andreyen that she sensed something terrible beyond the Sault and saw fire burning across water. Andreyen concludes that Lin felt Elsabet using her Source-Stone on Tyndaris, and he warns Lin not to seek Elsabet out because it is safer if Elsabet remains unaware of Lin. Lin fears Malgasi power and dreams that an unseen captor binds her limbs with colored ropes, speaking in Conor’s voice.

Two days later, after treating an injured Shomrim, Lin realizes she must attend the public blessing of Conor and Anjelica’s betrothal. Mariam helps Lin dress properly, and they join Mayesh in Valerian Square before the Temple. The Hierophant, Charter Families, Queen Lilibet, Conor, and Anjelica process before the crowd, whose mood is solemn and impressed by Anjelica’s beauty and royal purple gown. During the ceremony, Aron Benjudah arrives carrying the legendary Evening Sword and confronts Mayesh over Asher, whom Aron once believed had been sent far away rather than left in Castellane to suffer. Aron accuses Mayesh of keeping power within his family by promoting Lin as Counselor, but Mariam angrily declares that Lin is the Goddess. Aron says the truth will soon be known, leaves, and Lin follows him into the crowd.