Hidden in the steamy cargo hold, Rune listens as William leaves and Gideon follows him. Gideon’s words about planning to betray Rune confirm her worst fear: no matter what passed between them, Gideon’s real priority is stopping Cressida. Hurt and furious, Rune decides that if Gideon means to hand her over, she must betray him first.

Rune returns to the cabin alone and finds it empty. Remembering William’s mention of Gideon and Abbie, Rune wonders if Gideon has gone to Abbie’s room, then forces herself not to care. She refuses both Gideon’s shirt and the nightclothes she packed for Soren, choosing instead to get into bed in her shift.

When Gideon finally comes back, Rune pretends to be asleep. She listens to him undress and get into bed beside her, painfully aware of his closeness and of her own jealousy, hurt, and desire. When Gideon quietly brings up their kiss, Rune asks him to forget it ever happened, and after a pause, Gideon says he will if that is what Rune wants.

Rune cannot sleep beside Gideon, thinking about his plan to betray her and imagining him celebrating with Abbie once she is captured. Before sunrise, Rune leaves the cabin and goes to the upper deck to clear her head. Looking toward the island ahead, she reflects on how Cascadia was renamed the Republic of the Red Peace after the revolution, and how even preserving an old map became an act of rebellion.

Gideon joins Rune on deck, looking as sleepless as she is. He asks whether she missed their homeland, and Rune answers honestly that she missed it with her whole heart. The exchange ends the chapter on a quiet note of shared longing, even as mistrust still divides them.