In his office at the Ministry of Public Safety, Gideon Sharpe listens as Harrow reports on a ship tied to a casting mark: an hour before it sailed, a hooded, educated-sounding man delivered last-minute cargo—two barrels of wine. Dockhands could not identify him, but noted a plain, thin silver ring on his smallest finger, which Harrow suggests could indicate an aristocrat trying to pass unnoticed.

Harrow then shares unverified rumors that casting marks have been appearing around town in alleyways and attics, often clustered as if witches are gathering. She explains that many citizens avoid reporting this out of fear of suspicion, while others quietly sympathize with witches due to hardships under the New Republic. Harrow warns Penitents believe the witches are rising and that something big could threaten the entire regime.

Alarmed, Gideon decides the Good Commander must be told, fearing renewed raids may be necessary. When Harrow asks about Gideon’s failed trap for the Crimson Moth and why Rune Winters is not imprisoned, Gideon admits the plan failed and he may have pursued a false trail.

Pushing harder, Harrow insists Gideon cannot be sure Rune is not a witch unless Gideon sleeps with Rune and searches for hidden casting scars. Gideon resists on moral grounds and because of his brother Alex, but desire and duty collide; he finally agrees, reasoning he must know the truth to protect Alex and stop the Moth if Rune is involved.

As Gideon prepares to leave—wearing the expensive suit jacket Rune sent for the Luminaries Dinner—a soldier reports the Tasker brothers have still not shown for duty. With Laila unavailable to check their apartment, Gideon decides to go himself despite being late, and he quickly writes and dispatches a telegram to Wintersea, insisting it reach the estate within the hour.