After shooting Soren in self-defense, Rune stands over his body in shock. Realizing she still has a narrow chance to reach Harrow before the palace locks down, Rune uses Soren’s blood to cast Ghost Walker on herself. Because she killed him in self-defense rather than for magic, the spell works without the corruptive consequence she fears, and the familiar surge of power steadies her.

When soldiers rush toward the scene, Rune slips away unseen and follows Harrow, who is being led in manacles by two witches into the prison’s first section for interrogation. At the gate and along the corridor, Rune stays close under her invisibility spell and steals a casting knife from one of the witches. She tracks Harrow to a dark holding cell and slips inside just before the door is locked, knowing that once Soren’s death reaches Cressida, the entire palace will begin hunting her.

In the darkness, Rune drops the invisibility spell and cuts herself with the stolen knife to cast Torch, lighting the cell. Harrow notices Rune’s torn bodice and understands someone tried to assault her; Rune confirms that Soren tried and is now dead. Although Harrow assumes Rune must want something in return, Rune tells her she is there to help, uses her blood to cast Picklock on the manacles, and frees Harrow. With Harrow released, Rune makes clear they must move quickly and escape together.