Gideon returns to the cabin and finds Rune gone, presumably hidden by an invisibility spell. Alone, he studies the ember-red brand on his chest and thinks about Cressida’s curse, Rune’s touch, and the fact that he can never be with Rune even if he wants to. Angry and desperate, Gideon nearly looks for Rune’s knife to cut the brand from his skin.

Abbie arrives before Gideon can act. Gideon had meant to question Abbie about whether Harrow planted her as a spy on the Arcadia, but Abbie instead confesses that she believes his marriage is some kind of arrangement born of trouble or debt. Abbie offers to help Gideon escape it, takes his hand, and kisses him.

Rather than immediately stopping Abbie, Gideon kisses her back to test Cressida’s curse. The brand does not flare, and he feels none of the overwhelming pull he feels with Rune. This answers two questions at once: the curse is not triggered by just anyone, and Gideon’s feelings for Rune have made every other connection feel empty by comparison.

After pulling away, Gideon bluntly asks Abbie whether she is Harrow’s spy. Abbie denies it and seems genuinely shocked, which persuades Gideon she is probably telling the truth. When Abbie asks why he married Rune if he did not have to, Gideon cannot deny the deeper reason, and Abbie leaves hurt. Left alone again, Gideon worries that Rune’s spell may fail and rethinks who the spy could be. Remembering how closely William has watched Rune, Gideon realizes he may have misread William’s interest and begins to suspect William is the real threat.