Jude returns to the Court of Shadows’ hideout, where the Ghost has brought food, wine, and stolen palace furnishings. The Ghost asks for the gold he was promised, but Jude offers revenge instead: they will enter Balekin’s feast and steal the kingdom from him.

Jude confronts the Ghost about his part in the murder of Liriope’s unborn child, still troubled by Dain’s ruthlessness. When Jude reveals that Liriope’s child survived, the Ghost understands that Oak is the secret at the center of her plan. Wanting to serve the next High King rather than find a new position, the Ghost agrees to help.

The Roach wakes, hears Jude’s plan, and immediately begins revising its logistics. He warns that Madoc will oppose Jude once he realizes she is acting against him, especially if Jude blocks his chance to become regent. The group plans positions and appearances for Balekin’s banquet, and Cardan helps map Hollow Hall.

At dawn, Jude returns alone to Madoc’s house, knowing she may never truly belong there again. She packs weapons, poison, clothing, and jewels, leaving behind childhood comforts. Jude then goes to Vivienne and admits that she was Dain’s spy, that Madoc intends to use Oak as king while ruling as regent, and that Vivi must take Oak to the mortal world until Oak is old enough to rule without a regent.

Vivi resists, fearing that taking Oak echoes their mother’s old theft of a faerie child and that Madoc or Balekin will hunt Oak down. Jude insists she has a plan and promises that it will save Oak’s life and not cost her own, though Vivi recognizes the second promise as a lie. As Jude leaves, Taryn sees her packed bag and unchanged clothes, then shuts her door without speaking, leaving Jude alone with the consequences of her choices.