Odessa prepared to sneak out of Treow, driven by a need to prove herself, find Allesaria, learn what was happening with Turah's "sick" monsters and book burnings, and possibly free herself from her fate as the Sparrow. Brielle tried to dissuade her, but Odessa insisted, explaining that her father tasked her to infiltrate Allesaria, learn about the Guardian's powers, and even kill the Guardian. They kept Jocelyn uninvolved. With Zavier, Evangeline, Tillia, Halston, Cathlin, and the Guardian all gone for four days, Odessa saw a window to attempt her escape.

Odessa disguised herself by covering her bright hair with a scarf, then removed it to appear unlike the familiar princess the watchtowers knew, counting on curiosity rather than suspicion. Brielle, posing as a noble, bribed the supply driver to take Odessa to Ashmore. The plan worked; the guards signaled a routine departure, and the wagon exited the forest onto the plains without incident.

On the long, tense ride to Ashmore, Odessa stayed vigilant for monsters and reflected on her hunger for freedom and competence. Arriving at dusk, she noted Ashmore’s modest defenses and a man bearing only a makeshift spear. When she asked the driver how they kept monsters out, he replied tersely, “We don’t. Not anymore,” before dismissing her.

As she explored the town, Odessa heard a familiar laugh and saw the Guardian outside a tavern, engrossed with a blonde woman. Startled and panicked, she hid in an alley, then watched him usher the woman inside. Annoyed but relieved he seemed occupied, she rushed to an inn and rented a room for one night, planning to leave Ashmore the next day.

Believing she had evaded him, Odessa locked herself in the room—only to find the Guardian already inside, the window open. He stood furious and addressed her with, “Hello, my queen,” exposing that he had intercepted her escape.