At the Darn, Saeris, Renfis, and Kingfisher see Everlayne across the narrowest stretch of river, surrounded by vampires and visibly terrified. Kingfisher instinctively tries to open a gate to reach her, but Renfis stops him, warning the gate will not open safely on the far side and that crossing would leave Kingfisher without magic.

Everlayne begs them not to come and admits she cannot run for the river. Kingfisher notices why: a thin gold collar at Everlayne’s throat is attached to a chain, which yanks her off-balance when it goes taut, proving she is physically restrained and being controlled.

The vampire holding the chain steps forward—Taladaius—radiating a cold power that carries across the water. When Lorreth attacks with angel’s breath, the magic strikes an invisible barrier in the river and is diverted harmlessly, confirming the group cannot simply fight across the boundary.

Taladaius reveals Everlayne has been bitten by Malcolm and is now “enthralled,” meaning she belongs to him and cannot return home. He states Everlayne is a trap meant to force Kingfisher to come, either to attempt a rescue or to seek vengeance, and says Malcolm is waiting at the place where Malcolm and Kingfisher last brokered a deal.

Taladaius adds that Everlayne was bitten twelve hours ago and threatens that if Kingfisher does not meet Malcolm when he arrives with his horde, Malcolm will make Everlayne endure the change and then a lifetime of brutal captivity. When Lorreth asks what Malcolm wants, Kingfisher admits Malcolm wants him—but Taladaius escalates the stakes by declaring Malcolm also wants Saeris, the Alchemist, and would burn down Yvelia to claim her.