At the Forum during Pletuna, Aequa brings Vis to the small group of former Academy friends who have gathered in the shadows above the crowd. They compare what they know about the crisis after Military's senior leaders abruptly left the celebration without explanation, which has made the senators and crowd fear an attack or coup. Emissa and Eidhin argue that the departure may have been a real emergency rather than a provocation, while Felix stresses how dangerous the timing looks, and Indol insists Military would not openly strike because they still need legitimacy. Vis listens, but he does not share Indol's confidence.

The group then turns to the conspiracy Vis has been tracking. Felix reports that the Navisalus was one of four ships that vanished before the attack and that it belonged to Tertius Ciserius, which strongly suggests high-ranking senatorial involvement. Indol admits Ciserius would not have acted without his father's knowledge. Emissa says her father will help if they can produce usable proof, and Felix adds more disturbing intelligence: Vulferam and the naumachia escapees have been recruiting in Melior's name in the north, while some suspect Military has intentionally let the threat grow large enough to justify later action. The discussion becomes prickly as old faction loyalties begin straining the friendships.

Before the tension can worsen, Relucia appears and tells Vis it is time to walk her home, reminding him of the real reason he came. Vis uses the interruption to urge his friends to leave the Forum as well, stressing it more strongly than he can safely explain. As he and Relucia head down, Livia stops Vis and presses him about leaving. Vis warns Livia that if violence breaks out, people like them will be crushed or used by their elders, and he directs her toward Aequa for a safe escort home. Livia then confesses that she never told her father what Vis did on Solivagus and apologizes for blaming Vis for Callidus's death, giving Vis a measure of relief before she departs.

Once out of public view, Relucia drops the performance and leads Vis and Diago through alleys to a hidden house. Inside, they meet the black-eyed contact at last: Ostius. He is brusque, clearly in command, and unexpectedly familiar with Diago's kind, even referring to the alupi's connection to a "Nexus." Although Ostius first says Diago cannot come, he examines the animal at close range and abruptly changes his mind, deciding Diago is welcome. The shift makes it clear that Ostius understands far more than Vis expected.

Ostius then questions Vis about his disguise, and Vis reveals the Harmonic iron triangles he has forged into a false arm beneath his sleeve and into a full metal mask around his head. Ostius immediately deduces how the imbuing works, praises the craftsmanship, and recognizes that Vis forged the pieces himself. Finally, Ostius orders Vis to keep the mask on, seizes him and Diago, turns his eyes fully black, and uses a terrifying power to move them. Vis experiences crushing, flaying disorientation and hears the ominous thrum before the world shifts and they arrive somewhere else.