The chapter opens with Raihn reflecting on his history with Septimus. From the very first encounter before the Kejari, Raihn distrusted Septimus, who repeatedly approached him offering an alliance. Septimus revealed he knew Raihn's true identity—something Raihn never discovered the source of—and pressured him by arguing the Rishan couldn't succeed alone. Raihn refused the deal until Septimus discovered Oraya and used her as leverage, eventually forcing Raihn to break and accept the alliance. Raihn recognized Septimus as dangerously desperate, willing to do anything to achieve goals that Raihn still doesn't fully understand.

In the present, Raihn sits in his office with Septimus and his general Vale, as Septimus announces that Bloodborn troops cannot be sent to Misrada as planned. Septimus blames logistics and his general Desdemona's assessment, but Vale is furious at the last-minute cancellation of a weeks-long operation. When Vale insults Septimus's generals, Septimus retorts that his forces are doing most of the work suppressing the Hiaj rebellion, and that the Rishan's own people are unwilling to fight for Raihn. Raihn stays deliberately quiet, playing the role of the brutish, Turned king so Septimus continues to underestimate him. He dismisses Septimus curtly, refusing to give him more of his time.

Later that night, Raihn goes to the roof of the armory on the outskirts of Sivrinaj, surveying the city and surrounding landscape. He observes the remnants of the Hiaj's failed attempts to reclaim parts of the city—barricades still standing in the streets—and reflects on how the rebellion continues despite those setbacks. He notes that Septimus's withdrawal of Bloodborn forces has left the armory guarded only by scattered, disorganized Rishan troops due to the sudden change in orders.

Raihn's instincts tell him something is wrong. He reflects on how quiet nights preceded past catastrophes—the attack on the Moon Palace and the fall of Neculai's kingdom. He suspects Septimus's convenient rescheduling may be deliberate, possibly setting the stage for an attack or sabotage, though he doesn't know the specifics. Raihn warns Vale that he wants more guards at the armory and declares he will stay there personally for the night. Vale reluctantly complies, flying off to pull reinforcements from other posts throughout the city.

Alone on the rooftop, Raihn unsheathes his sword and settles in to wait. He finds comfort in the weapon's familiarity and almost welcomes the possibility of a fight—something simple compared to the political entanglements he's been navigating. A memory of Vincent's face in his final moments intrudes, reminding him that even killing is no longer simple. He pushes the thought away and watches the sky, ready for whatever comes.