Determined to leave the castle and rescue her sister Saela, Meryn packs a bag and slips out of the dorms while the other Rawbonds are still returning from orientation. She navigates the castle using the servant passages she noted during the tour, passing unquestioned by the servants she encounters. She successfully reaches the courtyard gate, which opens freely, and steps outside the castle walls feeling elated at her escape.

However, within three steps of passing through the gate, searing pain strikes Meryn's skull and rapidly intensifies into full-body agony—her bones feel like ice, her muscles seize, and she collapses face-first into the snow. She lies helpless until Izabel and Venna find her and drag her back toward the castle, where the pain gradually subsides. The twins explain that the bond between wolf and rider is fragile at the start, and that distance from the wolf causes physical strain that can kill both wolf and rider. Only time and trust can strengthen the bond enough to allow separation, meaning Meryn is truly trapped at the castle.

Overwhelmed by despair, Meryn breaks down crying. Instead of mocking her, Venna and Izabel comfort her. They reveal their own struggles: Venna has been hard of hearing since childhood, and everyone doubted the twins could survive a Bonding Trial because of it. Their parents taught them to be twice as good as everyone else. They see in Meryn the same drive to prove others wrong. Moved by their solidarity, Meryn resolves to make the bond work and eventually convince Anassa to carry her to Saela.

The twins inform Meryn that tonight is "Presentation," a formal event where the new Rawbond class is displayed before royals and nobles from across Nocturna's seven fiefdoms. They must dress up and make a strong impression because the wolves are watching and maintaining a hierarchy—those who fall to the bottom of the rankings risk being targeted and killed. Izabel warns Meryn that failing to impress could be deadly, sending Meryn into a fresh panic. Seeing Meryn's alarm, Izabel says she has an idea to help.