Raeve meets Pyrok outside the cliffside dwelling, both dressed and masked for a festival. Their usual teasing banter continues as Pyrok confirms he is her escort, and Raeve notices that Veya painted warnings on the wall after Kaan "lost it" when Raeve passed out. That detail unsettles Raeve, who quickly buries her reaction because she is still determined to separate herself from Kaan and from the identity of Elluin.

As they talk, Pyrok hints that he remembers the distant past clearly, while Raeve reflects on how damaged and incomplete her own memories remain. She thinks that if she succeeds in having Kaan erased from her mind, she will need to cut every remaining tie to her former self, including old connections like Pyrok. Before they leave, Raeve shows off the silver gown she altered to suit herself, pleased by how fierce and revealing it feels, and Pyrok approves as they head into the city.

The esplanade is crowded with masked celebrants, children playing at being dragons, and elaborate costumes made from feathers, scales, metal, and pearl. Pyrok grabs free Molten Mead and drinks heavily, while Raeve observes the festive chaos and music. Together they approach three shimmering domes built over the water, each representing a different nesting ground: Netheryn, Bhoggith, and Gondragh.

At the junction, Raeve asks where the king is, and Pyrok indicates Gondragh. Wanting to avoid Kaan, Raeve deliberately pulls Pyrok toward Netheryn instead. Yet when they reach the entrance and Pyrok parts the barrier, Raeve is struck by a sudden, irrational dread; even knowing Kaan is elsewhere, she hesitates, admits only to herself that she is not fine, then forces herself forward into the darkened dome.