Viv, Fern, and Satchel travel by coach to Zelia Greatstrider's lavish estate north of Murk along the sea-cliffs. Viv rides on the back of the coach, enjoying the wind and salt air, while bringing along Satchel for safety after the necromantic sigil was discovered. They marvel at the opulent two-story mansion, surrounded by manicured grounds and non-native trees, speculating that Zelia's wealth must come from inheritance rather than book sales.

At the door, they're greeted by Berk, a grayed but powerfully built man who Viv quickly identifies as a swordsman. He sizes up Viv's saber with mild amusement, takes a liking to the gryphet Potroast, and goes to check whether 'Lady Zee' will receive them. He returns to escort them through a largely disused mansion to an enormous office crammed floor-to-ceiling with books, where Zelia Greatstrider reclines on a divan—a tall, striking elf with silver hair and bronze skin.

Viv fumbles her opening but recovers by presenting a basket of pastries from Maylee's Sea-Song bakery, which both Zelia and Berk recognize and enthusiastically welcome. Zelia recognizes Fern as Rowan's daughter and recalls Viv as the orc dragged into town weeks earlier, teasing her about Highlark. Amused, she invites them to make their proposal.

Viv asks Zelia to visit Thistleburr when Fern reopens it, so readers can meet her. When Zelia challenges why she lives so far from the city, Viv boldly jokes it's because she inherited wealth—a gamble that lands. Zelia calls Viv 'interesting,' and Berk reassures a panicked Fern that Zelia has agreed to come. Satchel rustles eagerly.