Oak has been imprisoned for three weeks in the iron-laden dungeons beneath the Ice Needle Citadel, bridled into obedience and slowly losing hope. Wren has not visited or spoken to him since his capture. From the falcon guard Straun, Oak learns Wren has gone south to the Stone Forest to wake the ancient troll kings, an act considered impossible. That night, Oak feels a wave of magic and a tremor confirming Wren has succeeded in breaking the curse, leaving him uncertain what she might do next.

Oak passes the time recalling sword drills the Ghost (Garrett) once taught him and ruminating on his mistakes—particularly his failure to tell Wren the truth about her origin as Mellith. He worries he has been manipulating people through his gancanagh charm without realizing it, recalling a childhood incident where he accidentally enchanted a mortal boy into obsession. When the huldu servant Fernwaif brings him better food, he charms her, asking her to bring word to Wren that he awaits her command. Fernwaif reveals Wren has returned to the Citadel.

That night, a jeweled mechanical snake descends into his cell carrying his old ring as a token from Elfhame, telling him to be ready for rescue in three days. Oak tries to negotiate for more time, hoping to speak with Wren, but realizing the snake also carries silvery fangs, he destroys it. Inside he finds a vial of blusher mushroom poison—proof his family doesn't want him dead but intended to poison someone else, likely Wren. Horrified, Oak resolves to act immediately.

Oak pries the gems from the snake and uses them to bait the drunk, resentful Straun. When Straun smacks his outstretched hand, Oak palms the key from the falcon's belt. He soaks a cloth in the salvaged blusher mushroom liquid, unlocks his cell, subdues Straun by smothering him with the cloth, arranges him to look asleep, and steals a cloak—beginning his escape.