Raeve searches the room she woke in and deliberately outfits herself for movement and concealment. She chooses sturdy black boots, a hooded robe that hides her cuff, and a belt, then leaves with the candlestick she stole, intent on getting into the city and finding a Curly Quill.

In the sitting room, Raeve finds two men playing Skripi and casually helps herself to their food. The men, including the red-haired Pyrok, respond with dry amusement instead of hostility, and Pyrok even gives Raeve a bag for the candlestick. When Raeve offers a killing favor in exchange and asks for the front door, their refusal and easy cooperation reinforce that she is not being treated like a normal captive.

Outside, Raeve is briefly overwhelmed by the heat and the unexpected feeling of freedom, though Kaan's violence and strange kindness still unsettle her. She immediately tests her limits by asking a guard to hold her empty dish, then barters him into trading his sword for a dagger and sheath better suited to her hand. Raeve also questions the guards about whether Dhomm sacrifices people to dragons or mistreats children and nulls; instead, she learns that young elementals attend Drohk Academy and nulls can test for rune affinity or pursue other study and apprenticeships, which sharply contrasts with what she expected.

Pyrok interrupts and offers to escort Raeve into the city, claiming merchants will treat her more fairly if she is with him. Raeve, realizing the offer is useful, goes with him despite her disappointment at not being entirely unobserved. As they descend into Dhomm, they exchange names and a local greeting, and Pyrok confirms there is a Curly Quill in the city. Raeve asks for a sweet drink and the best possible view, while privately planning to sell the candlestick, buy weapons, locate the carter hutch, and continue preparing for revenge on Rekk Zharos.