Meryn heads to Lee's apartment in the Northern Quarter to tell him about her enlistment. She is anxious about his reaction, knowing how much his support means to her. When Lee opens the door, his warm familiarity immediately calms her. She blurts out that she has enlisted to reach the front and find Saela. Lee is visibly pained but tells her he understands, admitting he would go in her place if he could—but as a royal servant bound to lifelong service, he cannot leave. He then reveals troubling news: he has overheard whispers in the castle that Bonding Trials are imminent, meaning all new recruits will be forced to attempt a dangerous mountain climb where direwolves await at the summit. He advises Meryn to survive without bonding, after which she'll be sent to the front with the other soldiers.

Overwhelmed by the weight of what may be their last time together for a long while, Meryn and Lee have an intense, passionate sexual encounter on his kitchen floor. Afterward, Lee gently suggests she could stay, but Meryn insists she cannot do nothing while Saela is missing. Lee then takes her shopping, spending a significant amount of his own money on high-quality gear: a new rucksack, waterskin, boots, jacket, gloves, and crampons for the icy mountain Trial. Meryn is uncomfortable accepting so much, but Lee insists. They part ways, both trying to act casual, but Meryn cries once she is out of his sight.

Meryn stops at the laundry where she works to inform her coworkers, then visits Igor. Igor confirms he already heard the news from Meryn's mother and promises to look after her while Meryn is gone. He gruffly compliments Meryn's willpower, telling her if anyone can take the fight to the Nabbers and bring back the missing children, it's her.

That evening, Meryn packs for her departure. Her mother enters with a family heirloom—a gold necklace with a teardrop opal pendant, passed down through generations of women for protection. Meryn insists her mother keep it, promising she can give it to her when Meryn returns. Mother stares at Saela's empty bed, and Meryn is torn by guilt over leaving her ailing mother alone, but resolves she must go. She promises aloud to bring Saela back, uncertain which of them she is trying to reassure more.