Rune flees the beach through the dark woods, convinced she misread Gideon and that he must despise the “real” her if he believes witches are cruel. Gideon catches up and grabs her wrist, insisting Rune did nothing wrong and that she “presumed correctly,” but the conversation is interrupted by torchlight and voices approaching along the path.

Rune extinguishes her lantern and pulls Gideon into the underbrush to hide as a group of Penitents passes. Gideon is surprised to learn Rune allows them to use her property’s footpaths to fish at night; Rune explains she does not see their children as blameworthy for their birth, and Gideon admits he finds her choice admirable.

Still unsettled, Rune asks Gideon if he remembers their first meeting at Nameless Cove. As they walk toward Wintersea House, Gideon reveals his resentment: Rune’s expensive clothes and outstretched hand had read as condescension to a boy from the Outer Wards who didn’t know aristos custom. Rune admits she wanted Gideon to like her, and Gideon gives a blunt apology, exposing how much that old misunderstanding still stings for both of them.

At the garden door, Gideon confesses he was drawn to Rune from the start, but believed she was “off-limits” because Alex wanted her. When Rune rejects the idea of being “found” or owned, Gideon clarifies he meant desire, not friendship, and their flirtation turns physical as Gideon touches Rune’s mouth and kisses down her jaw and neck, escalating until Rune offers to let him inside.

Gideon abruptly pulls back and refuses to enter, saying he promised to go slow with Rune and fears he will not keep that promise if he crosses the threshold. He leaves to fetch his own horse, while Rune sits shaken on the terrace, telling herself she loathes him even as she realizes she wants him again for reasons unrelated to her secret mission.