As Grave’s thrown knife hung inches from Genevieve’s heart, time stuttered under his control. The moment evoked a past memory for Genevieve of Farrow cruelly ending their relationship on the Riverwalk, reinforcing her aversion to hollow promises and claims of possession. Grave admitted time manipulation cost him greatly but called it the perfect counter to Genevieve’s disappearing Specter magic.

Grave allowed time to advance in tiny increments, making Genevieve flicker while he advanced the blade. At the instant he slammed the knife forward, Genevieve drew deeply on her power and released it all at once. The knife pierced without pain as her projected magic rippled the room, briefly removing everything—including Grave—from her perception before reality reasserted and the knife clattered harmlessly behind her. Grave recognized, shocked, that she had projected her Specter magic, something he claimed he had never seen.

Rowin appeared in the doorway with his Familiar, Umbra, who had captured Grave’s mink Familiar, Lilith. Genevieve rushed to Rowin and told him Grave had tried to kill her; Rowin instead asked what she had done. When Grave moved toward them, Rowin put himself between them, bared his teeth, and warned Grave not to approach. In a tense exchange, Rowin declared, “She’s mine,” and threatened to make Grave’s eternal life more miserable if he touched Genevieve again.

Grave criticized Rowin for neglecting their parents and risking everything for Genevieve after only days of marriage. Rowin replied that their parents made their own beds and that Genevieve had been thrown into his. Grave told Genevieve she should have let him make it quick, then opened an obsidian portal and left.

Rowin checked on Genevieve and explained he had tracked Lilith because Grave only lets his Familiar roam when plotting; that was how he knew Genevieve was in danger. Genevieve mentioned Knox had also confronted her earlier, which darkened Rowin’s mood. He offered his hand to escort her downstairs and away from further ambushes, and she accepted in silence despite conflicting feelings stirred by his possessive claim.

Back in Rowin’s room, Genevieve released his hand and told him never to call her his again unless he truly meant it. Rowin, after a flicker of unreadable emotion, looked away and agreed, promising, “Deal.”