Peggy receives a telegram asking "Where did you find this story. It is life and death," which leaves her distressed and seeking Wren's counsel.
Wren leads Peggy to the beach and they discuss the mysterious message and its implications about her storytelling.
Peggy references Oscar Wilde's idea of art telling "beautiful untrue things" and explains how her stories transport readers to an "invisible land" filled with magic.
Wren comforts Peggy by acknowledging the specialness of her stories and encourages her to embrace a new "greater adventure."
Wren suggests they go to England to find the woman who sent the telegram to settle the origins of the story that’s linked to Peggy's family.
Peggy is hesitant but admits she has a passport, and Wren encourages her to take a chance on a real-world quest.
As they are about to kiss, Peggy's mother interrupts, and an antagonistic exchange follows between her and Wren.
Peggy's mother reveals Wren's troubled past, but he maintains there is a misunderstanding.
Wren leaves urging Peggy to meet him at midnight for the quest, while her mother tries to dissuade her from pursuing the matter any further.
Peggy refuses to back down and questions her mother about the origins of the land they call Whisperwood.
Peggy's mother tries to convince her to ignore the situation and focus on their next book deadline.
Eager for her own adventure, Peggy sneaks out at night with a packed suitcase to meet Wren, feeling she's stepping into a new realm.