Oraya and Raihn begin their nightly preparation in the districts awkwardly. They keep obstructing each other, but because the inner-city vampires have turned the district into a hunting ground, they have plenty of chances to practice. Over several nights, their mistakes lessen until they finally start fighting in sync, and Oraya realizes that their alliance can become something genuinely effective.

While watching Raihn fight, Oraya discovers that his apparent brute-force style is partly an act. He uses magic constantly, weaving it into his strength, speed, and sword strikes so subtly that opponents underestimate him. When Oraya confronts him, Raihn avoids fully answering, but he turns the conversation back on her and reveals that he already guessed her hidden magic was accidental, proving he has been studying her as closely as she has studied him.

Although Oraya hates being observed and understood, she cannot deny the results. She and Raihn keep training until they can anticipate each other’s movements and leave openings for one another instinctively. The progress is hard-won, built through exhaustion, bruises, and constant effort, but Oraya grudgingly admits that Raihn was right: together, they make a strong team.

Back in the apartment, Oraya also trains with Mische to improve her unreliable magic, but those sessions go badly. Sometimes Oraya can summon only tiny wisps of shadow or Nightfire, and sometimes she cannot call anything at all. Mische encourages Oraya to stop fearing her power and trust it, but Oraya remains frustrated, especially because Mische’s own control over flame and light seems effortless.

Vincent provides little help. His instruction is sparse and rigid, and he becomes increasingly distracted and absent, which convinces Oraya that something troubling is happening that he refuses to explain. In the second week, Raihn, Oraya, and Mische begin training together, and Mische quickly fits into the rhythm Oraya and Raihn have built. By the sixteenth night, Oraya realizes their teamwork might actually give them a chance in the Halfmoon trial, and she is unsettled to find that she may even enjoy it.