Odessa sits on her balcony at dusk, unsettled by the town’s quiet after the attack and thinking about the High Priest of Voster. Ransom arrives, cleaned up from the failed hunt, and gives her his boyhood dagger so she can defend herself. When Odessa asks about the hunt, Ransom explains they tracked the bariwolf pack for three days before the trail vanished, and he admits something felt wrong.

Odessa confesses a fear that the bariwolves—and other monsters—were targeting her specifically, recalling the bariwolf in the courtyard, the events in Ashmore, and the tarkin in Treow. Ransom hesitates but shares a similar theory: that monsters, with or without Lyssa, seem drawn to Odessa, citing the grizzur at the camp, Ashmore, the tarkin, and even Faze’s attraction to her. He says it is only a theory and also wonders if the draw could be him or a change in Lyssa.

Grappling with guilt over lives lost, Odessa suggests they must test the theory to protect others. Ransom refuses, prioritizing her safety, and their discussion flares into an argument about choice and freedom. Ransom admits his fear when Odessa ran to save Witt and, after pressing her to decide, offers to take her back to Quentis if she wishes.

Odessa chooses to stay and chooses Ransom. Ransom reciprocates, declaring that, though bound to Turah, he would choose her above all before his fate claims him. The tension between them resolves into intimacy as they move inside.

They consummate their marriage, reaffirming their bond physically and emotionally. The scene closes with them together, their earlier hurts acknowledged but set aside, and their relationship solidified as they face the mystery of why monsters are drawn to Odessa.