Paedyn Gray lay awake, consumed by dread of facing a new set of Trials alone and by fresh waves of grief for Adena, whose death continues to haunt her. She feared what the Trials might demand—especially being forced to kill again—and reflected on the irony that the Trials will measure Edric Azer’s three B’s to prove her fitness to rule the kingdom she helped unmake. Seeking distraction, she slipped from her room into the cool, moonlit night and headed to the training yard.

There, Paedyn spotted King Kitt Azer and Enforcer Kai Azer sparring and hid behind a weapons rack to avoid being seen with Kai. Kitt told Kai he wanted to rebuild their bond as brothers and promised that, in the Ilya he is rebuilding, Kai will no longer be ordered to hurt Ordinaries. Kitt then shifted to security concerns after the bombing and tasked Kai with rebuilding the army and training new recruits.

Kitt revealed a major reform: Kai would train Ordinaries alongside Imperials. He added that the Ordinaries captured from the Bowl after the third Trial were not executed and would be freed to join the training. Kai expressed surprise but accepted, telling Kitt he was proud and honored to serve. The brothers reaffirmed their loyalty to each other before Kitt departed.

After Kitt left, Kai acknowledged Paedyn’s presence without surprise, saying the darkness heightens his senses. They discussed Kitt’s plan to train Ordinaries and the unexpected mercy shown to the captured Bowl Ordinaries. Their banter turned intimate as rain began to fall; Paedyn teased and physically challenged Kai, briefly toppling him to the dirt, and they nearly kissed before she refocused on training for the Trials.

The tone shifted when Kai condemned the Trials as a death spectacle and urged abandoning them, calling out the court’s bloodlust. Paedyn insisted the Trials were necessary for the greater good and, when pressed, confirmed she also had to marry Kitt. Kai, hurt, said it seemed he had no place in her chosen fate, but Paedyn pleaded for secrecy and caution.

Kai refused to spar with Paedyn, citing his vow never to fight her again and to touch her only in a caress. They eased the tension with humor until Kai suddenly hoisted Paedyn over his shoulder, declaring he would take her “somewhere even the future can’t find us,” and they agreed on meeting at the willow tree.