Meryn enters the lavish Strategos communal washroom and is awed by the hot baths, perfumed soaps, and gold fixtures—luxuries that starkly contrast her impoverished upbringing. She battles feelings of inferiority but resolves that survival for Saela's sake is all that matters. As other Rawbonds arrive and bathe together without modesty, Meryn is uncomfortable with the communal nudity, a discomfort rooted in her different class background. Izabel joins her and reassures her, urging her to adapt to pack life.

Back in the bunk room, Izabel and Venna spend an hour transforming Meryn with borrowed clothes, makeup, and jewelry. They dress her in a shimmering purple gown with high slits and elegant knee-high boots. During the preparations, a fellow Rawbond named Nevah reveals a disturbing truth about the Presentation: it is not just a display for nobles but an opportunity for royals and aristocrats to "choose" Rawbonds as sexual companions. Worse, if King Cyril selects someone, refusal is not an option. Meryn is revolted, but Nevah reassures her that more obviously willing candidates will likely draw the king's attention instead. When Meryn finally sees herself in the mirror, she is stunned—the transformation has turned her into a striking, powerful-looking woman, her silver-white hair unexpectedly becoming the crowning feature.

At sunset, the Rawbonds line up outside the enormous arena carved into the mountainside. Meryn is the only one without a partner in line. Inside, the arena reeks of old blood beneath the perfume and lamp oil, and Meryn notices strange divots in the blood-darkened dirt and hears unsettling whispers. The wolves emerge from a shadowed doorway to join their riders. All the wolves greet their Rawbonds affectionately—except Anassa, who enters last, larger than the rest, radiating hostility and contempt. Anassa stands beside Meryn but well out of reach, refusing to acknowledge her, making their dysfunctional bond visible to the entire crowd.

A herald announces King Cyril Valtiere, who enters carrying the legendary Diren Blæd, a golden sword said to grant power over all direwolves. The king's gaze lingers on Anassa and then Meryn with sharp interest. Meryn belatedly bows after realizing all others—even the wolves except Anassa—have already done so. Then the herald announces Crown Prince Killian Valtiere, and the Rawbonds buzz with excitement. When Meryn looks up at the prince, she is devastated to recognize him: Killian is Lee, the man she was romantically involved with, who shared promises and dreams with her without ever revealing his true identity. He looks directly at her with eyes full of regret, and Meryn's world shatters.