Rune sneaks into the Arcadia’s cargo hold and uses a picklock spell to inspect it as a possible hiding place for witches. After lighting the gaslamp, she confirms the hold contains coal and supply crates rather than passenger luggage, which means hunting hounds are less likely to search it before departure. Rune decides the space could conceal three witches long enough for the ship to leave Republic waters.

Before Rune can leave, William enters the hold and traps her in conversation. Rune immediately grows wary, wondering whether her Ghost Walker spell has faded or whether William expected to find her there. William implies that Gideon is occupied with Abbie in Rune’s cabin and begins pressing unwanted romantic and physical attention on Rune, claiming Gideon does not value her while he does.

Rune tries to defuse the situation, rejects William, and attempts to escape, but William escalates. He cocks a pistol, orders her to turn around, and reveals that he knows she is the Crimson Moth. He also questions why Gideon Sharpe, a Blood Guard captain, is helping a fugitive witch, showing that he has seen through their false marriage.

William offers Rune a coercive bargain: come with him to his room or be shot. Rune understands the sexual threat behind the offer and refuses, saying she would rather be shot. Her refusal leaves her cornered and apparently without help.

Gideon then emerges from the shadows behind William, having entered unnoticed. Furious, Gideon orders William to lower the gun, makes clear that Rune has already said no, and forces William to drop the pistol and kick it toward Rune. Once Rune is armed, Gideon tells her to return to their cabin while he deals with William himself, promising to meet her there after he is done.