Freya wakes in agony as her frostbitten extremities are warmed by the warriors of Halsar, who hold her legs in place while Bodil uses body heat to restore circulation. Bjorn holds Freya against his chest, comforting her through the pain. Freya panics that the gods will punish the warriors for helping her, believing she is meant to face her trials alone, but an old warrior assures her that no prophecy ever said she must stand alone. Bjorn quietly promises her he will be at her back until death, and his steadfastness breaks down the emotional walls Freya has built around her heart. She sobs through the pain and eventually falls asleep in his arms.

Freya wakes again before dawn, acutely aware of Bjorn's body wrapped around hers. As she contemplates the imminent battle at Grindill, she feels the crushing weight of responsibility—dozens of warriors depend on her magic for victory. She also reflects on the regret she felt during her near-death experience the previous night and resolves not to face death again with the same regrets.

Emboldened by her desire and the prospect of dying in the coming battle, Freya presses herself against Bjorn, signaling her want. What begins as teasing banter—Bjorn feigning ignorance of her intentions—escalates into a charged, whispered exchange. Freya admits she doesn't want to die with regrets, and Bjorn promises to slaughter anyone who comes near her, then asks whether she still wants him to stop asking questions. Freya answers by placing his hand on her breast and pressing against him.

Under the cover of furs, darkness, and howling wind, Bjorn takes control, restraining Freya's wrists and exploring her body while keeping her silent and still to avoid discovery by the sleeping warriors around them. Despite her desperate need for more, he denies her full consummation, instead bringing her to a shattering climax with his hand. He silences her cries with a kiss, and afterward whispers that she is his, even if only the two of them know it. Freya accepts this truth completely, feeling for the first time that she wants for nothing.