Meryn walks back to Killian's chambers in a daze, overwhelmed by numbness and grief over Saela's disappearance. She oscillates between despair and a dark, violent urge to kill the Nabber all over again, along with his accomplices. She barely registers the journey until Killian guides her into his elaborate bathing chamber, where a large, steaming tub awaits.

Killian offers to give her privacy, but Meryn catches his wrist and asks him to stay. The part of her that has been fighting him has gone silent. She admits she has missed him and is done resisting her desire to be in his arms. Killian checks her hands for cuts, then begins undressing her, kissing her tenderly as he removes her blood-soaked clothes. He steps back and tells her she is the most beautiful she has ever been. Meryn feels Anassa's presence growing in her mind and slams down a mental barrier, firmly rejecting Anassa's intrusion into her intimate moments.

The two enter the bath together, and Killian washes Meryn's hair and body with gentle, loving care. The comforting touch gradually turns sensual as his hands explore her, stoking her arousal. Their intimacy escalates—Killian bites her neck, pulls her against him, and they have sex in the bath. Meryn comes undone at his command, and they climax together before sinking into exhausted stillness.

Afterward, Killian apologizes for not learning anything about Saela from the interrogation. Meryn reassures him, pointing out that shutting down the Nabbers means no more children will go missing from Sturmfrost, which is a victory in itself. Killian promises he will not give up until they find Saela. Meryn resolves with steely certainty that she will bring her sister home—whether through Killian's power, her bond with Anassa, or by her own hands.