Grey regains consciousness briefly to find Kier performing chest compressions. She drifts in and out of consciousness over two days, finally awakening fully in a different shepherd’s hut. Kier explains that they killed all 43 enemies and that her power is severely depleted. He asks about Locke’s succession, and Grey confirms that Severin was a mage and that she was always the true heir, as the title of Locke passes only to a well.

Grey learns that the others now suspect her identity. Overwhelmed by self-hatred for her destructive power, she tries to push Kier away. He angrily confesses that he has been in love with her for nearly a decade. Stunned, Grey realizes that his physical affection had been confessions she never recognized. They kiss passionately.

Ola arrives to tend Grey. Brit and Ola confront Grey about her impossible power and the fact that she cried out for Severin while unconscious. Grey deflects, agreeing to talk about her identity after the mission concludes.

Later, Kier helps Grey wash blood from her hair, and Grey then works on the diplomatic letter that they plan to send to Cleoc Strata. They formalize their plan: to broker peace between Scaela and Cleoc Strata, then resurrect the Isle of Locke. Grey admits that she does not know the specific method for raising the island. They flirt briefly.

The group departs, continuing toward Grislar. Sela marks their letters with diplomatic priority symbols, and Kier rides ahead to ensure that the letters are sent. During four days of travel, the others subtly question Grey about the Isle without directly acknowledging her status as Locke, allowing her true identity to become an open secret. Grey learns personal details about each companion and feels herself growing attached to them despite years of emotional guardedness. 

Near noon on the fifth day, they sell the horse and reach Grislar. At the military camp, Grey stares out at the Bay of Locke, feeling her lost home’s call. They wait in an office for Commander Reggin, the eastern commander. To protect Grey’s identity, Kier arranges her hair to obscure her face, and Eron poses as “Hand Captain Flynn,” while Grey masquerades as Eron.

Reggin informs them that their old encampment was attacked after their departure, though most of their comrades survived. When he requests custody of Sela, Grey insists they must remain with her to fulfill their promise of protection. Reggin announces that Kier has been recommended for promotion to Master, but Kier rejects the opportunity and presents the retirement papers from Attis. Eron, still posing as Hand Captain Flynn, confirms Grey and Kier’s desire to retire.

The group receives separate rooms at an inn; Grey immediately moves her belongings into Kier’s room. Alone, they kiss and agree to continue their amorous activities after the formal dinner. Kier confirms that he wants Grey, not the promotion, stating they can see the world together. They dress, sharing intimate touches.

In the palace reception room, High Lord Scaelas and High Lady Cleoc arrive with guards. Sela and Cleoc have an emotional reunion. Scaelas’s attention catches on Grey, and he briefly loses composure but says nothing. Cleoc thanks the retinue, giving each a silver pin shaped like an obsidian moon—Cleoc Strata’s symbol for bravery. Sela whispers to Grey, asking if she will see her on Locke. Eron quietly offers Grey his sword if she needs help restoring the Isle.

At the high table during the feast, Grey sends desire through her tether to Kier. Commander Reggin, still believing that Eron is Hand Captain Flynn, tries to tempt him with transfer offers. Kier places his hand on Grey’s knee under the table and states that no one can have his Hand because they are retired.

After dinner, Grey notices Scaelas sending glances her way. She and Kier slip out and return to the inn by carriage amidst intensifying sexual tension. Alone in their room, Grey takes the lead, slowly undressing Kier. He retrieves contraceptive herbs from her healer’s kit. Kier admits he has fantasized about being with her for nearly a decade, then performs oral sex on her before they have intercourse for the first time. The power of their tether amplifies the experience. 

Afterward, they make plans to visit Kier’s family and Grey’s adopted mother Imarta, then find a boat. At Kier’s gentle prompting, Grey tells him the full story of Locke’s destruction. Kier comforts her, saying her family sacrificed themselves out of love. Grey tells him that she does not want anyone, especially him, to die for her. She asks Kier to be her commander when she resurrects the Isle, as he is the only one she trusts. Kier accepts, and they end the night playfully discussing his future salary.