Evie, Blade, and The Villain descend to the cellar to observe the captured guvre. The creature is serpentlike with bat wings and bugging eyes—horrifying in appearance yet surprisingly docile. Blade demonstrates an affinity with animals by coaxing the guvre to nuzzle his hand through the bars, while Evie attempts to do the same before The Villain physically pulls her back, warning her that the creature has a temper despite its apparent cuteness.

The Villain explains his strategic reasoning for capturing this particular guvre: guvres are mated animals, and this male's female mate is the one he truly wants. Female guvres are too cunning to capture directly, but they are fiercely vengeful—if a female believes her mate is in danger, no cage can hold her. The plan is to use the captive male as bait to lure the female to the manor.

After Blade leaves, Evie deduces that King Benedict is the one holding the female guvre in captivity—and has been for ten years. The Villain confirms this with a mysterious grin, stating that tonight things will change. Evie notes how The Villain becomes distant when discussing his vengeance and decides not to press him, acknowledging she might even support his cause if she knew his full motivations.

As Evie leaves to resume organizing sleeping arrangements, The Villain calls after her, realizing she indirectly called him cute. She grins but is quickly sobered by the gravity of the night ahead: a vengeful female guvre is coming for her mate, and not even The Villain will be able to stop her.