Unable to sleep in daylight, Odessa shares her cot with a sleeping Brielle, reflects on her past isolation in Quentis and her distrust of false friendships, and considers whether Brielle and Jocelyn could become true friends in Turah. Jocelyn brings her food, and Odessa eats quickly before deciding to walk the camp to ease her restlessness.

Outside, Odessa observes the sprawling ring of fires and the smoky haze while noting most Turan men avert their eyes and scowl; the women are absent. Tillia approaches and confirms she has been assigned to shadow Odessa and will remain beside her tent. Tillia says the party will next travel to Ellder via established and temporary camps but grows guarded when Odessa asks about continuing on to Allesaria, implying no details will be shared.

Odessa asks if a roar had sounded earlier, but before Tillia can answer, the Guardian arrives. Tillia withdraws, and the Guardian shadows Odessa as she weaves through tents. When pressed, he confirms a roar and identifies the creature as a grizzur, a monster native to the area. Odessa insists on seeing it.

The Guardian leads Odessa across camp to the grizzur’s corpse. She studies its immense, bear-like, spiked form, its enormous claws and jagged teeth, and the nearly severed head with a deep throat cut. Blood spatters on the Guardian’s clothes corroborate his kill. The grisly sight underscores the real danger of Turah and the fires’ purpose as defense.

Resolved, Odessa demands her promised sword and training. The Guardian agrees, telling her to rest and be ready at dawn, and warns her not to go beyond the fires. He asks if she can find her tent, then leaves.

Moments later, Odessa hears hooves as Zavier and three warriors ride out, followed by the Guardian on his black stallion. Unsure of their destination and unwilling to spy, she returns to her tent—getting lost twice—and curls up alone after Brielle departs. Another thunderous roar shakes the camp, and Odessa hides under her pillow, waiting for dawn.