Wren waits in Cross Redden’s office, noting the sparse, mostly impersonal space and the unusual presence of paper maps. Cross arrives, looks her over, and surprises Wren by praising her work at Haven. He clarifies that her task was only to ask for the job and make contact with Shenise, not to secure it that night, because Shenise would not immediately trust a stranger.

Cross disarms and approaches, the mutual attraction intensifying. He admits he sent Jordan from Copper on a long assignment to Red Post because Jordan touched Wren, openly acknowledging his jealousy. The conversation shifts into charged banter about danger and desire as Cross struggles with his rule not to get involved with recruits.

Wren proposes they give in once to relieve the tension and end it afterward. Cross accepts, and they engage in a heated sexual encounter on the map table in his office. Their actions are explicit and mutually driven; Cross uses her name and a tender nickname, and Wren notes her scars and momentary self-consciousness, which Cross tries to soften. Both climax, and then the elation fades into Wren’s sudden shame at having slept with the General’s son.

Wren stresses that this can only happen once and asserts that when she leaves, it is over. Cross questions whether she truly has it out of her system; Wren tells him yes. She dresses quickly and departs.

Back in the barracks, Wren heads to the lavatory where she finds Bryce. They briefly compare nights—both describing them as good or exhilarating—while Wren privately lingers on the memory of Cross and chooses not to shower to keep his scent and taste.