The Other sits over the unconscious Rekk Zharos and methodically secures his wrists and ankles to a pallet. While preparing him, The Other notes the unusual silence inside Raeve and reflects on how fiercely Raeve fought before The Other sealed her in ice to protect her. The Other thinks of Raeve as a beloved but still-young host who must eventually grow hard enough to master pain, loss, and the power The Other embodies.

Once Rekk is fully restrained, The Other wakes him with a violent slap. Rekk panics, thrashing and shouting through the gag, and The Other takes satisfaction in his fear. She heats a fireplace poker, presses it near his eye, then pulls it away after recalling that he spared Líri’s eyes; instead, she drags the hot metal across his bare chest, burning him and making him scream.

As Rekk trembles and loses control of his body, The Other explains that she heard and understood Líri’s suffering even if Rekk did not. She continues burning him across the chest and abdomen and promises to use his own metal spurs and whipping tool on him next. The torture is framed as deliberate repayment: Rekk will be made to feel what he inflicted on the Moonplume.

After discarding the poker, The Other speaks the word “Vaghth” and summons a flame into her hand. Rekk realizes she commands more elemental songs than he knew, while The Other privately notes that even Raeve does not know the full extent of that power. Asking whether Rekk knows how a Moonplume feels when scalded by harsh sunlight, The Other answers for him by covering his face in fire.