In the aftermath of revealing Astrid and Patience’s deaths, Gabriel and Dior share a raw moment in the shattered chapel room. Gabriel explains his relentless need for vengeance against Fabién Voss and his oath not to surrender Dior. He insists Dior remain locked in her room under guard for her safety, extracting repeated promises from her to stay put.

Gabriel retrieves Ashdrinker from the snow outside the chapel and exchanges a somber reflection with the blade about their failures and the coming fight. He returns to the keep and joins Aaron, Baptiste, and their sergeants to finalize plans for the impending assault, assigning three trusted bladesmen to guard Dior’s door.

Tension simmers among the defenders, some blaming Gabriel for the danger, but Aaron’s authority and their shared hatred of the coldbloods hold the line. As dawn grows, Gabriel draws strength from fellowship with Aaron and Baptiste over a brief meal, and they speak of providence and resolve. Gabriel resolves to take sanctus and seize any chance to kill the Beast.

Exhausted, Gabriel bathes and shaves, reflecting on scars and doubts, and then goes to check on Dior before sleeping. He greets the door guards, including Redling á Sadhbh, who acknowledges their shared past and vows to stand with the Black Lion despite the peril.

Gabriel peeks into Dior’s dark room and initially believes she is asleep. On closer notice, he realizes there is no breathing, her coat and boots are missing, and the “sleeping” form is only pillows. He rips back the covers to confirm Dior has deceived him and slipped away, breaking her promise just before the siege.