Freya and Bjorn discuss how to learn more about Hlin without leaving Grindill, since Snorri would never allow Freya to travel openly. Freya approaches Steinunn in the great hall, hoping the skald might incorporate stories about Hlin into her song to temper the fearsome image of Freya. Steinunn refuses, insisting her song is effective as-is and that Freya truly is a monster. Ylva, however, sympathizes with Freya's concern that ruling through fear alone is dangerous, and she devises a plan: Freya will secretly ride to Selvegr overnight to speak with her mother, while Ylva tells everyone Freya is in seclusion seeking divine visions. Ylva instructs Bjorn to accompany Freya and delays Steinunn's departure.

That night, Freya and Bjorn ride through the darkness to Selvegr, arriving at midmorning at Freya's family farm. They find Birger, the man Snorri posted to watch Freya's mother Kelda, living in the house. Kelda emerges, having recently recovered from illness, and dismisses Birger and Bjorn to chores so she can speak privately with Freya—though Bjorn insists on staying within protective range.

Kelda reveals the full story of Freya's conception. When Geir was a dying infant, a mysterious dark-haired woman appeared and offered to heal him in exchange for lying with Kelda and her husband, promising the passion's yield as recompense. They agreed, but upon waking found Geir gone—seemingly a trick by Loki. Then a second woman appeared: a golden-haired warrior with amber eyes, carrying a basket with a miraculously healthy Geir. This warrior—Hlin—offered a bargain: she would return Geir if Kelda allowed the child soon to quicken within her to become Hlin's vessel. Kelda accepted. Hlin cryptically said that if the child were gifted only avarice her words would be curses, but if gifted altruism, her divine power would be a fate yet unwoven.

After the story, Kelda confronts Freya about her obvious relationship with Bjorn, demanding she end it for the family's safety. Instead of complying, Freya erupts with years of pent-up resentment. She accuses her mother of always prioritizing Geir and herself over Freya—forcing her to hide her heritage, marrying her to the abusive Vragi for wealth, and now leveraging Snorri's control for personal comfort rather than escaping. Freya declares that any choice about Bjorn must be hers alone. When Kelda raises her hand to slap Freya, Bjorn intervenes and demands an apology. Freya tells her mother it is time she made her own way, mounts her horse, and rides away without looking back.