Genevieve awoke in the drawing room beneath Umbra, the fox, and heard muted voices nearby. Curious, she slipped into the hall, followed Umbra to the dining room, and concealed herself to listen as the Silver siblings argued in their first language. Ellin, Sevin, Wells, Remi, Grave, Rowin, and a shadowed brother with a serpent (Covin) discussed Genevieve, the marriage, and the Hunt.

Rowin framed Genevieve as a tool to free him, warning that killing her would punish them all by forfeiting the chance at his escape and potential gains for the family. Grave rejected Rowin’s talk of a cure for their mother’s Crimson Rot, insisting no cure exists and promising no mercy once the Hunt began. Covin, revealed with crimson eyes and an ebony serpent, predicted two outcomes: Rowin either wins again and leaves, or finally loses and joins them in Hell; he proposed enjoying one last civil event at the upcoming masquerade.

Sevin joked about losing Favored to the “romantic charade,” lamenting a coveted pocket watch from Knox’s collection. Tensions spiked as Grave threatened Rowin and Genevieve, and Rowin replied he would show Grave no mercy if he touched his wife. Rowin then left the dining room, forcing Genevieve to scramble back to the drawing room before he confronted her.

In private, Rowin explained her earlier collapse: Knox had locked down everyone’s magic for the Hunt, and the new bond linking their lives combined with the lockdown overwhelmed Genevieve. He clarified the rules: from midnight to noon (hunting hours), no one can access magic; safe hours cover the remainder. Genevieve, alarmed at losing her Specter advantage, cursed the restriction.

Rowin insisted they share a bedroom to maintain appearances with Knox observing the house, provoking Genevieve’s resistance and banter about biting. Sevin and Covin barged in, making lewd jokes, which Genevieve met with sharp retorts.

Knox manifested in a dark flash, stunningly beautiful and horned, and teased the newlyweds about breaking a headboard. He noted he had returned to install more looking glasses for his patrons and to spread news of the marriage in the Third Circle. Rowin attempted to withdraw, calling Genevieve “trouble,” and Knox greeted her. Genevieve corrected Knox to “Mrs. Silver” and expressed “utter disdain” for meeting him before departing with Rowin.

As they walked to the bedroom corridor, Rowin remarked on her boldness with a Devil. Genevieve coolly reasoned Knox needed her alive for the game, so she had no reason to hold her tongue. Rowin opened a bedroom door and addressed her as “Mrs. Silver,” closing the scene with their forced domestic arrangement set for the masquerade and the Hunt’s magic restrictions now in effect.