Meryn returns to her room to find Killian waiting with medical supplies. Despite her anger, she allows him to tend to her wounds, the familiar ritual stirring painful memories of their past relationship when he was "Lee." The antiseptic smell and his careful touch tempt her to let her guard down, but her pride resists. She confronts him about arranging her private quarters, accusing him of painting a target on her back by separating her from the pack.

Killian warns Meryn that the Bonded are dangerous—even the ones in her own pack—and that her life is at risk among them. He insists that when he becomes king, things will change, and he pleads for a chance to explain. When Meryn cruelly suggests he only wants to use and discard her like nobles do with Bonded during the Trials, Killian snaps, pressing her against the wall and declaring she is more precious to him than she could imagine. Meryn neither pushes him away nor pulls him closer, and eventually he steps back.

Before leaving through a hidden servant's passage in the wardrobe, Killian reveals a secret path connecting her room to his and offers an open invitation. He also assures her that his investigation into her sister Saela's disappearance and his care for her mother are unconditional—not dependent on any romantic reconciliation. After he departs, Meryn is left conflicted, missing him but unable to forgive his deception.

Channeling her frustration, Meryn decides to seek help improving her combat skills. She approaches Izabel and Venna, who recruit Tomison as a trainer. Tomison proves to be an excellent teacher—patient, clear, and exacting. He corrects Meryn's sword posture, drills her in mounted combat stances and parry techniques, and identifies her physical weaknesses: side abdominals, thighs, and glutes need strengthening for mounted fighting.

Izabel, Venna, and Tomison collectively build a comprehensive training regimen for Meryn, including stretches for riding, grip exercises to prevent falls, and Venna's offer to teach sign language. For the first time, Meryn sees a clear path forward and feels the warmth of genuine camaraderie—though Killian's warning about trusting the Bonded lingers in her mind, leaving her wondering whether her new allies could eventually betray her.