Rune rides through a heavy storm to Gideon Sharpe’s parents’ shop, leaving her horse, Lady, outside. She is grateful for the rain because she still intends to free Seraphine from the palace and wants her tracks covered. Inside, Gideon seems cold and sleepless, and Rune immediately says she cannot stay long.

Rune returns the boxed silk flowers Gideon made for her, then struggles to find a way to tell him about her engagement to Alex Sharpe. Gideon interrupts with a blunt question about whether what happened between them three nights ago meant anything, implying Rune used him. Before Rune can answer, Gideon reveals he has Rune’s missing access coin and her last blood vial, identifying how she avoids casting scars.

Gideon names Rune as the Crimson Moth and says he has finally caught her. Rune tries to flee, but Laila Creed blocks the exit with a squad of Blood Guard soldiers. Laila violently yanks Rune down by the hair, and the soldiers drag Rune back into the shop, forcing her to her knees before Gideon, who does not help.

Gideon explains he went to Wintersea the night before to apologize and set things right, but overheard voices and followed them, believing Cressida might be there. He witnessed Rune’s hidden bedroom wall opening and hid while Rune and her accomplices left the casting room; afterward, he searched it and found proof of her witchcraft. Gideon admits disgust—at what Rune is and at himself for believing her act—then orders a search anyway.

Laila and the soldiers search Rune and her saddlebags, taking her knife and discovering a stolen Blood Guard uniform. Laila then finds the ring Alex gave Rune, rips it from its chain, and gives it to Gideon; Gideon realizes Rune is engaged to his brother. Rune lashes out that Alex is “twice the man” Gideon is, and Gideon, visibly hurt, shoves the ring onto Rune’s finger and returns it, then orders, “Arrest the Crimson Moth,” leaving Rune to the witch hunters as he walks out.