Accompanied by Noemi, Stark silently rides through snowy Nocturna, finding rare mental quiet while suppressing his growing desire for Meryn. As they set camp, Noemi teases him about the belief that the romantic partners of mated wolves are mates as well; Stark denies romantic feelings for Meryn. He promises to protect Noemi during their visit to her father’s estate, Eisenfall, their destination. Lord Eisenfall, Noemi’s father, has never treated Noemi as his own.

At Eisenfall, Noemi’s father—a contemptuous lord who has killed seven wives for failing to produce sons—refuses to attend the coronation, citing Valtiere loyalty and noting that Rabenfrost is sheltering Killian. When a drunken cousin harasses Noemi, Stark kills him with impelling power, splitting his head against a wall. Stark gives Eisenfall a choice: Attend the coronation or face the Bonded. Eisenfall agrees.

As they leave, Meryn’s voice breaks through the previously blocked rider-to-rider bond. She says that she felt Stark’s anger and confronts him about killing people. He argues that violence is the only effective tool in certain situations and then severs the connection.