The chapter opens with Callum suggesting over breakfast that they should kill Libby Rhodes, arguing that she and Nico are redundant as a pair. Tristan pushes back, asking why not kill Nico instead, but Callum remains pragmatic. Tristan feels nauseated by the ease with which he has accepted the reality that someone must die, reflecting that immense magic requires an immense sacrifice and that privilege renders individual lives insignificant.

The conversation escalates when Tristan implies Callum's emotional detachment might undermine the ritual, prompting Callum to erupt in a passionate, anguished monologue. Callum insists that all six of them are fundamentally alike—gods born with pain, imitating human weakness, driven mad by their boundless power and insatiable hunger for more. He accuses Tristan of hiding behind guilt to feel morally superior while making the same choice as everyone else. Callum reveals that he sees the parts of people they refuse to acknowledge, calling it his curse. Tristan quietly declares he won't kill Libby, and Callum coldly replies that Parisa has ensured that outcome.

Afterward, Tristan feels drained and disoriented, unable to trust his own perceptions. He reflects that both Parisa and Callum have seen hidden parts of him, and he wonders whether he is merely a pawn in their rivalry. Wandering to the painted room, he enters a meditative state, dissolving his sense of self into the magical wards of the house. During this trance, he hears Parisa's voice advising him to carry a talisman to anchor himself to reality. Upon snapping back, he cannot determine whether the voice was real, telepathic, or a memory.

Taking Parisa's advice, Tristan writes a private note on a scrap of paper—recording that he truly wanted a glass of vintage Old World wine—and pockets it as his reality anchor. He then seeks out Callum to make peace, offering an apology and suggesting drinks. Callum accepts, and over whisky in the painted room they have a more tender exchange. Callum reveals that Libby has been researching her dead sister's degenerative disease through the archives, and that the library has been denying her requests. He also gently observes that Tristan is unaccustomed to being valued by others.

After Callum departs for bed, Tristan retrieves his talisman note and reads it. The note confirms he had wanted wine, not whisky—proving that Callum manipulated his emotions or preferences during their reconciliation. Tristan stares at the whisky glass in dismay and swears aloud, realizing he cannot trust even this seemingly genuine moment of friendship with Callum.