Genevieve reflected that she had forgotten her birthday and would be missing a planned night at the Teatro Argentina in Rome with her sister Ophelia and their mother’s traditional dishes. Rowin had insisted on celebrating early, given the uncertainty of surviving the next Hunt, and promised a lively Silver family dinner.

After locking her diary, Genevieve noticed the library book on Crimson Rot and resolved to read it or bring it along during the Hunt to help Rowin after the games. She also planned to confront Rowin about letters he wrote to his family and the Grimm Manor envelopes she believed matched her own letters to Barrington, fueling her concern that Rowin kept secrets despite her openness.

Rowin arrived to escort her, and Genevieve asked him to lace her teal velvet opera gown. He did so in silence, visibly affected by her appearance. He reminded her of their plan: a performance before dinner to satisfy Knox’s spectators, with a safety signal to stop if needed. Genevieve felt conflicted—no longer loathing Rowin as she once claimed, but uncertain how to define their relationship.

In a shadowed nook near the ballroom, Rowin surrounded them with his shadows and urged Genevieve to focus on him. Genevieve, determined not to be the only one overwhelmed, flirted deliberately, proposing he show his willingness to get on his knees. Rowin responded with shadow-assisted intimacy, lifting her and teasing her with shadows and touch, escalating their staged encounter into palpable desire.

As their intensity peaked—Rowin kneeling and lifting her skirts—their rings burned, and Ellin and Sevin appeared, with Grave watching in disgust. Sevin joked “Happy birthday” and applauded before leaving; Ellin gave Rowin a knowing “Interesting.” Grave’s judgmental look drew Genevieve’s scowl in return.

Rowin disengaged and praised Genevieve’s performance with a brief “Good job, trouble” before heading to dinner without looking back. Left breathless, Genevieve realized she had indeed gotten carried away and wanted more, even as her doubts about Rowin’s secrets lingered.