Nesta uses Gwyn as a welcome buffer the morning after her intimate encounter with Cassian. On the way to training, Gwyn reports that even with Merrill's help, the library has yielded no new information about the Dread Trove beyond scattered ancient references. The lack of progress forces Nesta to think about scrying again, but the memory of her first experience frightens her so badly that she lies to Gwyn and claims there is no other way to find the objects.

After the lesson, Nesta and Cassian are briefly alone. Cassian explains that he is heading to Windhaven to inspect the Illyrian legions, and the two carefully avoid directly addressing what happened between them, despite the tension still lingering. They discuss Gwyn's progress and the fact that no other priestesses have joined the training, and when Cassian says Nesta should keep doing what she is doing, Nesta asks him to do her a favor in Windhaven.

In Emerie's shop, Cassian delivers the favor: a bag of tea, spices, pepper, and a large supply of salt that Nesta has sent as a gift. Emerie is visibly moved and delighted by the thoughtful items, especially because such goods are precious in Windhaven. Cassian then delivers Nesta's real message as well: Emerie can thank Nesta by coming to training, and if transportation is the problem, someone will bring her.

Emerie says the time is not right and does not commit, so Cassian chooses not to pressure her. As he leaves, Cassian reflects that Nesta's gift was not just a strategy to lure Emerie into training but also a genuine act of kindness. He also realizes that Nesta behaves differently with Gwyn and Emerie than she does with the Night Court, seeming more at ease and more like herself, and he remains uncertain what their sexual encounter means for their relationship.

The following day, Nesta climbs to the training ring still anxious about the Dread Trove and the possibility that scrying may be necessary after all. When she arrives, Cassian and Gwyn are already waiting with pleased expressions. Nesta then sees that Emerie has come to the ring, showing that Nesta's invitation and gift have succeeded in bringing another woman into their growing circle.