Roman waits in the Kitt estate gardens for Iris, but before the meeting he reflects on the tense day that brought him there. At an awkward family dinner, Roman learns that Oath now has a new watch and a dusk curfew, which makes Iris's planned visit more dangerous. Roman also keeps Dacre's ley-line map hidden in his pocket, intending to give it to Iris later, while remaining careful because he suspects Val is still following him.

During dinner, Roman notices signs that his family is entangled in Dacre's secret movements. A sudden draft, trembling chandelier crystals, and Nan's dog barking toward the eastern wall convince Roman that someone has just used the hidden doorway connected to the parlor. Soon after, a scarred man named Bruce enters to whisper to Mr. Kitt; Roman's parents dismiss him as an associate who helps with business and security, but the exchange only deepens Roman's suspicion that his father is working closely with dangerous forces.

After dinner, Roman gives his father the letter and heads upstairs, but Mr. Kitt's parting words unsettle him further. Mr. Kitt implies that Dacre is pleased with Roman and tells him to keep it that way, confirming that he knows more than he admits and wants to preserve the family's position. Alone in his room, Roman realizes the Kitts may be doomed no matter who wins the war: if Dacre triumphs, they will belong to him, and if Enva prevails, they will be marked as traitors.

Roman washes, dresses carefully, and climbs out his old window to sneak into the garden, moving quietly through the grounds while watching for Val or Bruce. He reaches the meeting place and waits as the minutes drag past ten forty-seven, then ten fifty-eight, while anxiety, coughing, and fear that Iris has been stopped by curfew wear on him. Even so, Roman decides he will wait all night if he must.

At twelve past eleven, Iris finally arrives through the brambles, teasing Roman about the thorns. Relieved, Roman draws Iris close, and their familiar banter quickly turns intimate when Iris says she has come to claim the favor he once promised her on a windowsill. Roman, who has longed for this moment, responds by kissing her.