Odessa ventured onto the Cutter's deck despite lingering terror from nearly being eaten the day before. The dead male marroweel hung from the mast, dripping thick green blood into a bucket, its stench overwhelming. She noted differences between this male and the females she had seen in Roslo, including its size, bone spike, and milky eyes. The Guardian emptied the green blood overboard, confirming it was a male and suggesting the attack had focused on the ship, not Odessa herself.

Odessa thanked the Guardian again for saving her life but questioned why he had not leapt into the sea to rescue her directly; he deflected, and she dropped the subject. When she asked why the carcass remained, the Guardian said the valuable scales would be harvested. He warned that other dangers besides marroweels lurked on the Krisenth. When Odessa quipped that he might be one of them, the Guardian replied that not all monsters were born—some were made—implying he considered himself among them.

Odessa asked after Zavier and learned he was on the Cleaver; Zavier then arrived, explaining his room shared a wall with hers but he trained with his rangers on the Cleaver. As they examined the marroweel, Odessa noticed a scar-like gap in its scales and shivered at the thought of more males below. The Guardian reiterated she would be kept safe, especially if she stayed on the ship, but Odessa resolved to take responsibility for her own safety.

Odessa demanded a sword. Zavier hesitated, citing concern she might hurt herself, echoing past dismissals from her Roslo weapons master. The Guardian handed her his sword to test her, having her hold its tip at his throat. The weapon proved extremely heavy; Odessa strained to keep it raised as time dragged. In a blur, the Guardian disarmed her and brought the blade to her throat, then taunted her with a crude innuendo.

Despite the display, Odessa pressed Zavier again. After a silent exchange between Zavier and the Guardian, Zavier agreed to get her a sword. Odessa left, pleased she had asserted herself, though her arms were exhausted. She briefly started below, then turned back toward the deck and overheard Zavier quietly tell the Guardian that “it’s spreading,” which the Guardian acknowledged.

Odessa also overheard Zavier say that arming her was probably a bad idea and warn that she was going to try to kill the Guardian. The Guardian admitted he had had worse ideas. Shaken that they suspected her intent, Odessa slipped away and spent the rest of the day in her room with Brielle and Jocelyn.