After escaping into the woods, Gideon collapses to his hands and knees. Rune notices his coat is soaked with blood and realizes he was shot during their flight. When Gideon tells Rune to leave him because he is now dead weight, Rune refuses, determined not to abandon him in Wintersea while soldiers search the forest nearby.

Knowing Gideon will die if the bleeding continues, Rune remembers the spellmarks Juniper once drew to stop blood loss. With her own wrists still bound, Rune asks for Gideon’s permission to use his blood, then awkwardly traces the marks on his skin while listening to horses and voices closing in around them.

At first, Rune thinks the spell has failed. Then magic surges through her and fills the air, and Gideon seems immediately revived enough to rise. The spell gives them only temporary help, so Rune knows they still need shelter soon, where she can remove the bullets and properly treat his wounds before the magic wears off.

When Gideon leans on Rune for support, the pressure hurts Rune’s flayed back, but Rune hides the extent of her pain and asks whether Gideon can walk on his own. Before they can decide what to do next, something approaches in the darkness. Gideon tenses, but Rune recognizes the sound and realizes help has arrived.

Rune explains that, while Gideon carried her through the meadow earlier, she used a whistle from her dress pocket that only Lady could hear. Lady emerges from the trees, having found them. Rune helps Gideon onto the horse, and Gideon pulls Rune up in front of him, giving them a means to escape the soldiers hunting them.