At a lavish feast welcoming travelers before the Kejari, Oraya enters on Vincent’s arm and immediately feels the danger of being a human displayed among hungry vampires. Vincent deliberately keeps Oraya between himself and the wall to protect her while also signaling to the court that Oraya is his daughter. As they walk the ballroom, Oraya studies the nobles from the House of Night and House of Shadow and notes that the event is as much a political display as a celebration.

Vincent uses the feast to prepare Oraya for the tournament. He points out Kejari contestants who have already made their blood offerings to Nyaxia and quietly shares what he knows about their weaknesses: Lord Ravinthe’s bad knee, Kiretta Thann’s magical strength and poor swordsmanship, and Biron Imanti’s dangerous but foolish bloodlust. When Oraya notices Ibrihim Cain among the competitors, Vincent reminds Oraya that many entrants join because they have no better choice.

Seeing Ibrihim makes Oraya remember how his own parents mutilated him by removing his teeth and crippling his leg to keep him from threatening their power. That memory deepens Oraya’s understanding of vampire family life as a cycle of fear, succession, and brutality. Although Oraya doubts Ibrihim can win, Vincent points out that other people likely see Oraya the same way, reinforcing how little anyone expects from a human contestant.

Jesmine, Vincent’s newly promoted head of the guard, then approaches. Oraya distrusts Jesmine and feels a sharp stab of jealousy when she sees Vincent’s easy warmth toward her. When Jesmine reacts to Oraya’s scent, Vincent subtly steps between them and sends Oraya away while he asks Jesmine for news about the House of Blood.

Waiting near the door, Oraya watches the guests and imagines the fear hidden beneath their carefree behavior. Across the room, Oraya notices a tall, unusual red-haired vampire studying a rare painting of a falling Rishan figure, and the choice of artwork draws Oraya’s attention because it reflects powerlessness in a way most vampire art does not. The stranger briefly looks back at Oraya with striking intensity, but before Oraya can understand what feels strange about him, another guest startles her and Vincent calls her to leave. When Oraya looks back, the mysterious vampire has vanished.