Two days after leaving Grunfall, Meryn and Stark approach Sturmfrost. Throughout the journey, Stark has maintained a respectful distance, and Meryn wrestles with guilt over the near-kiss, repeatedly rationalizing it as a momentary lapse driven by post-combat vulnerability. She reassures herself that it meant nothing and focuses on seeing Killian again.

Meryn asks Stark to stop at her childhood home so she can update her mother about Saela. When they arrive, the house is dark and shuttered. In a panic, Meryn runs to her neighbor Igor's house. Igor, visibly grief-stricken, tells her that three days ago her mother had a severe episode, wandered into the city square, got into an altercation with guards, and was killed when they "subdued" her forcefully. Igor explains he sent word to the castle, but the message never reached Meryn at the front. Stark, who followed her, demands details. Meryn, unable to process the news, notices shadows pulsing and writhing unnaturally around her in response to her grief.

Overwhelmed, Meryn mounts Anassa and races to the castle to find Killian. He already knows about her mother's death and tries to comfort her, insisting it was not her fault. He reminds her he had been visiting and caring for her mother regularly. Meryn collapses against him, devastated by the compounding losses—her father years ago, Saela's abduction, and now her mother's death. She grieves in layers, but resolves not to lose herself in misery, knowing Saela is still out there and the Unity Trial is a week away.

As Meryn voices her despair at being completely alone, Killian takes her hands, drops to one knee, and proposes marriage. He reveals he had already spoken to her mother and received her blessing, and he presents an opulent gold bracelet set with black diamonds and a large ruby. He asks Meryn to be his queen, promising to help her reshape the world and bring Saela home. Anassa voices disapproval through the bond, warning Meryn she is not in the right state of mind to make this decision. Meryn overrides Anassa's objection and accepts, feeling that Killian is more than she deserves. They kiss passionately, and Killian clasps the bracelet onto her wrist. As Meryn admires it, the oppressive shadows finally disappear.