As the imperial ship clears the harbor, Kiela races to the beach where Larran embraces her, relieved she wasn't taken. Purple storm clouds gather, and they hurry up to the cottage to free Caz, Meep, and Radane, who is still trapped in a tree. Larran hacks through the brambles blocking the door while Kiela cuts her way to Radane's tree. The cloud bears release Radane, and the group takes shelter in the cottage as the magic storm intensifies.

Kiela worries about both the village and the imperial warship, which is unlikely to outrun a storm of this magnitude. Larran offers to mobilize merhorses to rescue survivors, but Kiela proposes a bolder plan: cast a storm-stopping spell from On Storms. Radane protests that the spell requires a trained coven of at least five sorcerers casting in perfect synchrony, calling the idea reckless. Kiela insists they have a moral obligation to use the knowledge to help, even those who hunted them.

Unable to use the cliff stairs, the group enlists Ivor, who glides them on wind currents into town with Caz, Meep, and a polished walking stick. They land near the fountain and rush to Bryn's bakery, rescuing a soaked winged cat along the way. Bryn pulls them inside, and Kiela explains the plan: the sorcerers themselves serve as the ingredients, their coordinated breath powering the spell.

Larran braves the storm again to fetch Eadie and Ulina. Radane warns of consequences—if the imperials are saved and discover forbidden magic was used, or spot her, everyone is endangered. Kiela accepts the risk, refusing to hoard knowledge like the emperor. When Larran returns with the others, Eadie cheerfully notes the Pine Cone Coven has expanded, and Kiela gathers everyone to explain their plan.