After the Pine Cone Society departs with forty-six remedies, Caz reveals he negotiated future payments of harvested fruit, nuts, or fish. Kiela learns from Caz that the cactus prefers 'they' pronouns and likes free-verse poetry. Worried about the red-haired figure she glimpsed earlier, Kiela debates visiting Larran to check on Sian, gauge Radane's threat, and ask about cooking fish.

First, Kiela finalizes a spell for Halio's dry spring. To test it without risk, she decides to use it on the dry town fountain while everyone is at sea. Caz teases her about a 'romantic meal' with Larran, hinting at his own bond with the cactus. Kiela sneaks to the empty fountain, plants the ingredient ball, casts the spell, and slips away before being seen.

At Larran's home, he joyfully embraces Kiela, thanking her for saving Sian—revealing Sian was the foal she once sang to, meaning Kiela has saved her twice. He begins an unfinished, emotionally charged 'Yes, but you...' before Tobin interrupts, shouting that the fountain is miraculously running again.

The whole village gathers around the gushing fountain in wonder. Radane steps up and announces herself as an imperial inspector, declaring that a rogue sorcerer is loose on Caltrey and demanding they come forward or face searches and fines. Bryn defends the islanders, and Fenerer accuses Kiela, the 'citygirl,' but Ulina and Bryn defend her, accusing Fenerer of greed for her land.

To prevent house-to-house searches, Bryn offers her bakery as an interview location with tea and pastries. Radane accepts, vowing to begin her search there. Bryn shoots Kiela a meaningful glance. Kiela slips away through the crowd and runs once she reaches the beach, her secret now in serious danger.