During the three-day sea voyage to Elfhame, Oak endures Randalin's bragging while watching Wren from afar. When summoned to her cabin, Wren proposes they fake their engagement long enough to convince Jude to give her the former Court of Teeth, then dissolve the betrothal. They discuss her memories as Mellith, including Bogdana's betrayal. Wren claims to have no feelings worth preserving.

That evening, Bogdana tells a pointed tale about a girl with an enchanted matchbook whose love for a shining-browed boy leads to her destruction. Afterward, Wren invites Oak in and proposes a test: he must use his gancanagh charm on her so she can try to break it. Oak persuades her to pick up a teacup with words that are all true, but she becomes upset and orders him out, demonstrating his power worked.

At dawn, the Undersea attacks. Seven merrows astride sharks and the tentacled monster Sablecoil, sent by Cirien-Cròin (a rival for Nicasia's crown), demand Oak's death. Oak abandons his foolish persona, fighting expertly and killing several merrows. A tentacle drags Tiernan into the sea; Hyacinthe dives after him, and Oak helps haul them aboard with the Ghost's aid.

Wren unmakes Sablecoil with a gesture, but the act drains her dangerously, her skin going purple and waxy. Bogdana conjures a storm that lifts the ship into the sky. Oak carries the collapsing Wren to her cabin. Half-conscious, she touches him tenderly and asks if he has ever wondered whether anyone truly loved him, suggesting his charm magic may have manufactured even his family's affection. The words devastate him.

Later, Hyacinthe admits his failures of loyalty to Tiernan, who recovers. The Ghost warns Oak about bringing two powerful hags to Elfhame, compares him to Dain, and reveals that Locke knew the name of Liriope's true poisoner—information Taryn may possess. As they approach Elfhame, Oak grasps that marrying Wren would make him a king.