On 12th October, Emily prepares to leave St. Liesl by train, certain Wendell’s fussing over luggage and supplies will make them late. While Wendell and Ariadne repeatedly visit the shop for suitcases and travel necessities, Emily escapes outside to sit with Shadow. The train is delayed anyway, and Emily waits at the station, irritated by the wind and by glimpses of Wendell’s showy handwriting in her journal.

That morning, Emily wakes at sunrise to find Wendell already up, having intervened in yet another skirmish between Shadow and Orga. Emily comforts Shadow, then shares a brief, affectionate moment with Wendell, who admits he is looking forward to returning to Cambridge—at least temporarily.

Downstairs, Julia Haas and her family are preparing an elaborate send-off, and Ariadne has invited many villagers to attend. The gathering overflows into the yard with a bonfire, coffee, and music; Emily chats with Julia and Roland Haas about local faerie phenomena and is persuaded to promise a spring return for further research. Emily notes that the villagers now know Wendell’s nature due to the cottage’s faerie transformations and a witnessed encounter with Razkarden, and that Wendell has banished the fauns, easing St. Liesl’s most lethal threat even though other Folk still lurk nearby.

Emily privately speaks with Ariadne, intending to correct her own harshness. Emily tells Ariadne she has been capable, helpful in Faerie, and important to Emily, inviting Ariadne to seek guidance despite Emily’s bluntness. Ariadne responds with gratitude, crediting Emily for helping her claim a different life than dressmaking, and hugs Emily; afterward, Emily finds herself quietly moved by the exchange.

As festivities continue, Emily debates dryadological theory with Rose and watches Wendell charm the injured Eberhard and family with extravagant promises. Emily confides to Wendell that the villagers have forgiven her too easily after the harm she caused, which makes her feel unmoored and guilty; Wendell prefers the convenience of peace. Wendell then gives Emily a basket containing a perfect loaf from Poe, and the two discuss how much the “common” fae have contributed—Poe’s door and the fauns’ help in finding a way home—prompting Wendell to admit his own condescension and ask Emily to warn him if he begins to change like other rulers. Emily reassures Wendell she will stay with him, and she begins to raise an idea about the common fae that Wendell suspects he may not like.