Paedyn narrates as she and Malakai Gray return to the archery grounds from the Purging Trials, using a friendly competition to distract him from mourning Kitt, whom Kai buried beneath a willow two days earlier. She recalls the small comforts she has arranged: a quiet garden walk filled with memories, a kitchen visit where Jax sought Kai’s comfort and Gail kissed Kai’s head, and encouraging Kai to write like Kitt did, leaving ink on his hands. They have been sleeping on a blanket-made cot in her room beneath the windows, a ritual that makes them feel closer to those they have lost, and Paedyn observes Kai slowly returning to himself with each day.

During the archery game, Paedyn teases Kai about forfeiting and he accepts losing if it means enjoying her company. She lands a bullseye and, watching Kai in the fading light, is struck by his beauty and the hardships he has endured under Edric and through Kitt’s loss. Overcome by emotion, Paedyn admits she hates that Kitt hated her.

Kai counters that Kitt did not truly hate Paedyn; he was not himself and saw her as an obstacle. When Paedyn blames herself, Kai insists it was not her fault, referencing Kitt’s letters and Kitt’s statements in the study to argue that Kitt was sick in body and mind and driven to prove himself. Kai’s voice breaks as he wonders if he made Kitt feel inferior and questions why Kitt took the Plague, fearing he expected Kai to need him to be more.

Paedyn interrupts to say Kitt wanted Kai by his side because Kai never made him feel lesser; Kai was the good in Kitt’s life, the anchor he clung to. Kai replies that Kitt was the good brother, but Paedyn reframes goodness and badness as shadows of belief. They then discuss belief directly: Kai says he believes in the inevitable and in Paedyn, and he redefines their roles from Dor, declaring Paedyn the Flame and himself the Shadow at her feet.

They finish their arrows and Paedyn gloats about her victory. They visit the willow and those buried there, acknowledging that Paedyn’s diversions cannot erase Kitt’s death. The chapter closes with the tender acknowledgment that, even in grief, Kai finds Paedyn to be his constant distraction.