Gabriel described the barracks buzzing with excitement and camaraderie as the initiates prepared to march at dawn. Theo, Lil Phil, Finch, Petit, de Séverin, and Aaron shared smuggled vodka, trading jokes and toasts; Aaron offered a rare smile and a toast, and Gabriel replied with a bold aphorism. Despite needing rest, Gabriel resolved to visit the Library one last time, aware the coming mission could be his last.

In the Library, Gabriel reflected on Greyhand’s disputed strategy map and the uncertainty of whether Avinbourg or Charinfel would be attacked. He sensed something amiss about Laure Voss and the broader plan. Moving into the forbidden section, he found Astrid Rennier amidst unread books and heavy dreamweed smoke, clearly affected by both smoke and drink. Their conversation mixed flirtation and warning; Astrid cautioned that Empress Isabella’s attention was dangerous, while Gabriel praised Astrid’s mind and hidden kindness beneath her caustic pose.

The talk turned serious when Astrid referenced Gabriel’s unexplained bloodgift that boiled a fledgling’s blood, and the Esani text she and Chloe had found. Astrid offered to help him train the gift, proposing he attempt to use it with her despite the risks. Gabriel protested that he did not want to hurt her, but Astrid, masking fear for Gabriel beneath bravado, insisted a little pain could be borne. Desire overtook caution as they sat close, and mutual want eclipsed rules and vows.

They kissed intensely, with Astrid climbing onto the table. Gabriel’s vampiric hunger stirred when his fangs scratched Astrid’s lip and he tasted her blood, but she held him steady and encouraged the shared transgression. Astrid guided his hands and urged him on, framing the act as prayer, telling him, “Pray to me.” Gabriel, torn between vows and desire, yielded to the moment, overwhelmed by need and the intoxicating blend of her scent and blood.

The encounter intensified as Astrid directed and Gabriel obeyed, both fully complicit in the forbidden act. Gabriel teetered between the danger of his bloodgift and the monastery’s prohibitions, yet continued, driven by passion and Astrid’s urgings. Just as Astrid reached the edge of climax, the monastery’s bells suddenly began to ring.

Startled, Astrid and Gabriel broke from the moment, confusion cutting through their hunger. Recognizing the late hour and that the bells did not signal a regular service, Gabriel helped Astrid up and, resisting the renewed pull of her blood, concluded with dread that something was wrong as the tolling echoed through San Michon.