The morning after saving Sian, Kiela hopes for a quiet day, wary of being seen casting magic. Caz reassures her that Radane likely didn't see anything. Their solitude is interrupted when Bryn arrives with Eadie and a four-armed harpist named Ulina, all dressed up to visit the jam shop.

The women reveal they came to buy more tree remedies. Kiela apologizes that none are ready and offers bread, jam, and conversation while she makes more. The visitors share stories about Kiela's mother, Binna, with whom Eadie and Ulina went to school, noting Kiela's resemblance. Kiela finds the memories unexpectedly comforting.

The women offer to help assemble the remedies, forcing Kiela to decide whether to share the spellcasting process. After internal debate—weighing the recent revolution, Radane's presence on the island, and her belief that knowledge should be shared—she agrees, framing the spell as a simple plant-family remedy. She and Caz invent a cover story that the magical syllables are merely a sentimental tradition honoring Caz's grandfather.

Over a picnic, they make dozens of pine cone remedies together, swapping stories about Fenerer's complaining and baking mishaps. They agree to make the gatherings regular, with each contributing supplies, and christen themselves the Pine Cone Society. Kiela feels a new sense of belonging.

As they toast, Kiela glimpses a flash of red in the bushes at the forest's edge, resembling Radane's hair, but dismisses it as her imagination—leaving an ominous note about whether her secret remains safe.