At the Black Mansion, Kel trains with Jerrod in Crawling, struggling with his fear of heights and distraction over the phrase “the Gray Serpent.” When Andreyen, Ji-An, and Merren arrive, Kel reports on the Dial Chamber meeting: Conor’s planned marriage to Anjelica of Kutani is meant to prevent war with Sarthe, and the Charter Families seem relieved. The group discusses why Kutani might accept the match, why Malgasi will be angered, and how Conor’s distaste for the Belmany family is both moral and political.

Kel then tells Andreyen that Montfaucon is hosting a gathering at the Caravel to introduce his new lover, known as the Gray Serpent—the same phrase Gremont spoke before dying. Kel decides to attend as himself and watch the man if he proves real. Andreyen orders Ji-An, Jerrod, and Merren to remain nearby with a carriage. The conversation turns to Artal Gremont’s expected return and marriage to Antonetta; Merren’s bitterness over Gremont’s past crime resurfaces, and Kel does not discourage Merren’s desire for revenge.

In the Sault, Lin returns through the gates and feels the community’s divided attitude toward her claimed identity as the Goddess Returned. She reflects on the benefits and costs of her lie: access to the Shulamat’s books, continued work as a healer, public suspicion, and disturbing dreams. The Maharam summons her to the garden, explains its Aramite plants as symbols of restoration, and then reveals that the Sanhedrin will arrive in one week, far sooner than expected.

The Maharam offers to tell the Sanhedrin not to come if Lin withdraws from the test. Lin is tempted because she has no miracle to prove herself, but she knows confessing would leave her shunned, disappoint those who believe in her, and endanger her chance to continue helping Mariam. Lin tells the Maharam she will think carefully, while recognizing that he has left the burden of the choice and its consequences on her.

That night, Kel goes alone to the Caravel while Conor remains at the Palace arranging Anjelica’s arrival. At Montfaucon’s party, Kel speaks with Joss Falconet and Ciprian Cabrol, learns that the Gray Serpent was supposedly a deadly Arena fighter, and is drawn aside by Silla. Their encounter falters because Kel is distracted and uncomfortable hearing private details about Conor. Antonetta unexpectedly interrupts them, and Kel follows her into the corridor.

Kel and Antonetta argue about her engagement to Artal Gremont. Antonetta insists she must marry to secure the silk Charter and refuses Kel’s offer to ask Conor to intervene, asserting that Kel has no rights over her choices. Shaken, Kel goes upstairs and overhears Montfaucon arguing with his lover Raimon, who refuses to perform as the Gray Serpent for the crowd. Raimon leaves, and Kel notices a Tully convict’s brand on his neck. When chaos erupts downstairs over the canceled fight, Kel pulls Merren away, joins Ji-An and Jerrod in their carriage, and the group races after Montfaucon’s carriage, which Raimon has apparently taken.