Shielding class resumes with Tyler Struck unveiling Amira, a Modified telepath marked with both black and red wrist bands, indicating coerced loyalty and prisoner status under General Redden’s post-Coup policies. The class reacts with fear and contempt toward Amira and Mods in general, while Wren observes the injustice and internally speculates on Amira’s power and situation.

Bryce Granger refuses testing, calling Amira a “lab rat,” but Struck threatens immediate expulsion; Bryce relents. Amira conducts brief, non-contact shield tests, logging results. As recruits trade misinformation about Mods, Wren challenges their bigotry, which draws attention from Roe Redden and others. Lyddie admits fear of mental intrusion by touch, disappointing Wren, who reminds herself of Lyddie’s upbringing.

When it is Wren’s turn, she constructs a flimsy shield and decoys her thoughts to focus on missing her horse, Kelley. Amira penetrates easily, her veins undulating visibly, and notes Wren is “decent” but easily breached, even remarking on Kelley. Wren feels a powerful urge to link and reveal herself to Amira but restrains herself as Struck calls Kaine Sutler next. Wren returns to her seat, assuring Lyddie that no harm was done.

That evening, while Black Cell attends a propaganda film, Wren skips the screening, unsettled by Tana’s earlier warning about Ward Z and by Struck’s vilification of “inciters.” She reflects that her inciter ability places her in extreme danger and could surface involuntarily under stress.

Wolf reaches out via telepathic link. Wren recalls a formative incident at age fourteen when, in anger at Uncle Jim, she incited him to sharply turn the truck, causing a rollover crash. Wolf believes it was an accident, but Wren knows it stemmed from uncontrolled rage, reinforcing her fear of harming others unintentionally. After Wolf withdraws, she remains restless.

Wren leaves the barracks and encounters Kaine outside. They decide to walk together around the quiet base, remaining aware of surveillance and guard towers. As they approach the east quadrant’s warehouses and a delivery gate, they hear male voices from a nearby outbuilding and notice the delivery gate standing open with an unattended motorcycle beside it, signaling a possible breach or opportunity.