Gabriel described the first half-year after his swearing as an initiate, where Frère Greyhand pushed him through the Gauntlet’s rotating trials—the Thorned Men, the Thresher, the Scar, and the Scythe—while sanctus heightened his paleblood reflexes and senses. Despite growing stronger, he remained behind peers and suffered ongoing insults from Aaron de Coste and other noble-born initiates, with only Theo Petit and Fincher offering minimal kindness.

He reflected on isolation and pride, insisting his progress came from stubborn effort rather than talent. He outlined the Order’s progression: the Trial of the Blood (torso), the Trial of the Hunt (one arm), and the Trial of the Blade (the other arm after a first solo kill). His current markings included the chestpiece earned during the Trial of the Blood.

Gabriel then recounted the day of his inking in San Michon’s cathedral. Prioress Charlotte presided with Sisternovices Chloe Sauvage and Astrid Rennier assisting. Bound to the altar, Gabriel experienced Astrid’s preparation and the rite’s intense intimacy as Astrid herself inked him under a formal prayer. The thirteen-hour ordeal fused pain and euphoria, ending with Astrid’s benediction-like words as the lion crest—honoring Gabriel’s mother’s maxim—was completed on his chest.

He explained that a silversaint’s chestpiece signifies bloodline: roses and snakes for the Blood of Ilon (Aaron), the broken shield and roaring bear for the Dyvok (Theo and Abbot Khalid), wolves for Chastain (Greyhand). Lacking knowledge of his sire, Gabriel chose the lion for his mother, embracing “one day as a lion” as his personal creed.

Outside the arena, Gabriel studied geography, catechism, tactics, and chymistry under Seraph Talon and Sister Aoife. Talon’s cruel discipline drove Gabriel to extreme memorization methods, including self-inflicted reminders and daily hair-plucking to fix dosages—such as sixteen hollyroot drops in sanctus—into memory.

As winter neared, Abbot Khalid entered the Gauntlet and announced a mission: Skyefall was beset by an inexplicable wasting sickness possibly tied to witchcraft, fae, cultists, or a vampire. Emperor Alexandre demanded answers. Khalid charged Frère Greyhand to investigate, bade Gabriel “do us proud,” and Greyhand, with Gabriel and Aaron, prepared to depart on their first Hunt.