Everlayne brings Saeris an unfamiliar breakfast and, still wounded that Saeris chose to follow Kingfisher to the forge the day before, stays quiet while dressing Saeris for the day. Everlayne invites Saeris to the library to review what she and Rusarius gathered about Alchemists, and Saeris apologizes; Everlayne accepts, and they go together.

In the library, Rusarius scolds Kingfisher for eating greasy cooked food near rare texts while Renfis looks on. Everlayne tries to confiscate the plate, and Kingfisher needles her, then storms out, saying he will wait for Saeris at the forge later. After he leaves, Renfis argues that Kingfisher deserves grace after over a century alone with no place in the palace, and Everlayne admits the situation hurts because she spent decades imagining his suffering and now has to watch it.

Everlayne and Rusarius begin teaching Saeris what “alchemy” is: an ancient, nearly mythical Fae magic once split into three branches—immortality-seekers, metal transmuters, and healers. The records are incomplete, but the transmuters reportedly produced vast gold and silver and often went mad and killed themselves. Saeris pushes for practical answers about controlling quicksilver, and the discussion turns to Madra: Everlayne says Madra has ruled for over a thousand years through unknown magic, learned to freeze the pathways with an Alchimeran sword, and trapped scouting Fae across realms when she plunged the blade into quicksilver.

Saeris realizes she can read the books and learns why: she is speaking and reading “Common Fae,” a shared court language that humans in Zilvaren adopted over time, reinforced by Madra’s reign. Saeris asks about Fae lifespans; Everlayne reveals she is 1,486 years old and, after hesitation, confirms Kingfisher’s birth age—until Kingfisher appears, having eavesdropped, and corrects his age to 1,733 while mocking Everlayne for finally sharing truths.

At the forge, Kingfisher tells Saeris to ask him questions directly and claims he answers truthfully if the question is “worthy.” Saeris goads him, then asks about Belikon’s accusation that he razed a city; Kingfisher admits he did and refuses to explain beyond saying he had no choice. When Saeris asks where he was sent after banishment, Kingfisher answers, “Hell,” then forces a training “test” by placing a tiny amount of liquid quicksilver in Saeris’s palm while wearing his protective pendant and insisting she listen through the pain.

As the cold burn intensifies, Saeris pushes past panic and hears a chorus of voices; she screams the phrase “Annorath mor,” and the pain stops. Following Kingfisher’s instructions, Saeris mentally commands the quicksilver to “sleep,” turning it into a matte, inert bead. Kingfisher is impressed by her control, but Saeris—furious at the ordeal—punches him in the mouth.