Once Bryce and Hunt are alone in the apartment, Hunt asks if he really has been made a prince. Bryce confirms that the Autumn King engineered it, then finally breaks down. Hunt sees how badly the announcement has shaken Bryce and pulls her close as she cries over being trapped in a role she spent her life trying to avoid.

Bryce explains that she could have endured the Starborn inheritance and the burdens of magic, but not this legal loss of freedom. Because of the Autumn King’s maneuvering, Bryce now sees herself as his property: he can control her future, force her into marriage with Cormac, and deny her any escape. Hunt immediately wants to kill the Autumn King, but Bryce points out that such a move would only get Hunt executed, and Hypaxia has already said that only the Asteri could overrule the king.

Hunt promises that they will keep fighting together and refuses to let Bryce face the situation alone. After they sit together in silence, Hunt searches for any possible solution. Bryce then looks up with a new resolve and tells Hunt she may have thought of a way out, though Hunt can already tell he will not like whatever she has in mind.

The chapter then shifts to Ruhn meeting Day on their mental bridge. Still angry after her previous harsh words and after discovering that Ariadne has fled, Ruhn is cold at first, but Day apologizes and admits she is not used to honest connection. When Ruhn asks what makes a good leader, Day says a leader should listen, think carefully, understand different viewpoints, do what is right even when it is difficult, and give a voice to the voiceless. The answer forces Ruhn to reflect on his father, the rebellion, and whether he himself could ever be worthy of ruling.

The mood softens as Day calls Ruhn her only friend, and Ruhn teases her about needing friendship lessons. Day then reveals that she will attend the Archangels' masked Autumnal Equinox ball. Realizing this means she must be important, Ruhn proposes that they meet at midnight by the western fountain near the conservatory stairs, using the exchange "Day?" and "Night" to identify each other. Day worries it is too dangerous and fears betrayal, but Ruhn takes her flame-wrapped hand, tells her he wants to finally know her, and convinces her to agree before she vanishes with a promise to meet him at midnight.