In the week after Max attacked her, Misery regrets how she handled the incident because it costs her the little freedom she might have had in Were territory. Guards escort her everywhere, her technology has been confiscated or crippled, and her life begins to feel like her old Collateral confinement all over again. Isolated in her room, she fills time with sleep, baths, movies, and coding, while noticing that Lowe is usually absent and preoccupied.

On the fifth evening, Mick takes Misery to a monitored video call with her twin brother, Owen. Their exchange begins with sarcasm, but Misery quickly uses their shared history and a switch into the Tongue to hide coded questions in harmless conversation. Owen confirms that Serena still has not returned to her apartment, says he has had no contact with the Were Collateral, and agrees to look into the Loyals, giving Misery a small but meaningful advance in her search.

Back in her room, Misery loses track of time while working on code until Ana suddenly appears, having climbed in through the roof. Ana insists on playing, so Misery reluctantly writes a simple Snake-like game for her instead of letting her near more dangerous programs. During the visit, Misery is unsettled by how quickly she grows protective of Ana and by how natural Ana’s trust feels despite the long hostility between Vampyres and Weres.

As Ana prepares to leave, Misery learns that Serena’s cat, Sparkles, has been sleeping with Ana, and the conversation turns back to Serena. Ana innocently suggests that Lowe might be able to help find her and then reveals that Lowe is away dealing with the "lollipops," meaning the Loyals. Realizing that Lowe is gone and that she may finally have an opportunity to move without him nearby, Misery takes a hairpin into the bathroom and prepares to start snooping.