Gideon admits to himself that part of him hopes Rune was the witch who escaped him in the mine, because the idea of her outwitting him is intoxicating even though it would make her his enemy. When Rune kisses him, Gideon is overwhelmed by how right it feels, and he wants more.

Then Gideon hears an internal warning in Alex’s voice—reminding him that people like Rune do not end up with people like him. The thought, and the fact that Alex is in love with Rune, shocks Gideon into abruptly pulling away.

Rune loses her balance in the surf and resurfaces humiliated, apologizing because she thought Gideon wanted the kiss. Before Gideon can explain that he did want it, Rune swims hard for shore and ignores his call after her.

Gideon follows, watching Rune climb out of the water and, in the lantern light, he checks her body for casting scars. He sees none, which makes him hesitate and consider that maybe Rune is not a witch.

Gideon forces himself to remember his duty and Alex: if Rune ends their courtship, Gideon could lose his best chance to catch the Crimson Moth—and if Rune is the Moth, Gideon believes he must protect Alex from her. Rune yanks on her dress, grabs the lantern, and runs into the woods, and Gideon hurriedly dresses and sprints after her.