Rune wakes ashamed and unsettled after climbing into Gideon’s bed during the night, seeking comfort from a nightmare about Nan’s execution. Gideon’s sleeping draught convinces Rune he probably does not remember, but that does not ease her own feelings. She knows she wants his closeness, and that desire makes her more certain she should leave before Cressida tears them apart.

At breakfast on Bart’s terrace, the divide between witches and patriots is obvious. Gideon lays out his idea: the Blood Guard is weakening under Noah Creed, so disillusioned soldiers could be drawn away and joined with witches who also want a life free of tyranny. Bart and Juniper challenge why either side should trust the other, but Seraphine confirms that Cressida’s own position is also unstable, because Soren’s forces have split and many witches fear her methods even while relying on her for protection.

The discussion turns to Cressida’s plan to resurrect her sisters. Gideon asks whether permanently preventing that resurrection would help turn witches against Cressida, and Harrow proposes finding and killing the missing Roseblood heir. That suggestion terrifies Rune, because she herself is the hidden heir and she fears Gideon might agree if he knew. Juniper interrupts with a different plan: she will return to the capital, discover where Elowyn and Analise’s bodies are being kept, and recruit witches to the alliance, while Harrow immediately offers to go with her to make sure Juniper does not betray them.

Rune challenges the entire scheme, warning that if they fail, everyone they inspire to resist Cressida will be tortured and killed. Seraphine admits the risk but argues the chance is worth taking. Gideon, frustrated by Rune’s resistance and her repeated wish to flee, tells Rune that if she wants to run, no one is stopping her. His anger hurts her, and the fragile atmosphere breaks when Bess and Antonio arrive with breakfast and announce more visitors.

Ash, Abbie, and Gideon’s old comrades from the Arcadia step onto the terrace, having come in response to Laila’s telegram. Their arrival gives Gideon unexpected support, and Abbie openly tells Gideon that they are there for him. Seeing Abbie’s faith in Gideon sharpens Rune’s jealousy and despair, so she escapes to a remote hot spring. There Rune tries to tell herself she only needs space and clarity, but after admitting she believes in Cressida’s cruelty more than Gideon’s hope, she finally breaks down crying beneath the waterfall.