Long after midday, Luzia hears scratching at the door. Santngel steps in front of her as a precaution before Antonio Pe9rez enters with guards waiting outside. Pe9rez speaks warmly and informally, asking about the previous nights terror and noting that the Ordof1os seem afraid of him. When pressed, Luzia admits she is afraid because Pe9rez has power and she does not, and Pe9rez takes the honesty as flattery.

As they sit, Luzia realizes no one acknowledges Santngels presence; to her, he seems vividly present, but to the others he is effectively ignored, suggesting a deliberate ability to go unnoticed. Pe9rez reports he has spoken with Fortfan Donadei and Dof1a Beatriz, and they have agreed the torneo will continue. He says the king demands a third trial, making continuation unavoidable despite the violence.

Pe9rez blames the chaos on Teoda Halcf3n and her family, labeling them Calvinist heretics and claiming Teoda sabotaged the second trial. Luzia privately doubts Teoda could have created the monstrous shadows, though she wonders what Teoda may have lied about. When Luzia asks Teodas fate, Pe9rez says Teoda is being taken to Toledo to face the tribunal, implying grim company and punishment.

Pe9rez adds that Gracia de Valera spoke about Luzia, claiming Luzia saved her life. Gracia has withdrawn from the torneo and is returning to Sevilla, promising prayers and alms in Luzias name; Luzia says she will pray for Gracia in return. Pe9rez admits no one can guarantee the third trials safety, though the king will provide guards, and he does not yet know where the trial will be held because the decision rests with the king.

With Teoda and Gracia gone, Pe9rez urges Luzia to show the king everything she can do so Philip can choose a champion—either Luzia, Fortfan Donadei, or no one. Luzia realizes Pe9rezs own future depends on her impressing the king, since rejecting her would also mean rejecting Pe9rezs bid to regain favor. As Pe9rez leaves, he asks after Don Vedctor and his wife; Marius says they vanished before the previous nights trial. Luzia concludes Vedctor is keeping distance to protect himself if events collapse, while she steels herself to win the kings faith and believes both favor and curses might yet be changed.