Orlaith sits on a cliffside staircase, watching Cainon’s ship depart the bay. Another ship remains moored at the pier, waiting for her. Frustrated and restless, she plucks immature flowers while Cainon watches her through a spyglass. Once his vessel crosses her mental Safety Line, he turns away, and she can breathe again.

Orlaith studies Cainon’s cupla on her wrist. Despite the custom against removing it, she unlatches the deep-blue stone and hides it in her bag. Desperate to see her friend Kai, she heads to the beach.

Orlaith wades fully clothed into the turbulent, icy ocean, which reminds her of Rhordyn’s relentless psychological punishments. After struggling through the surf, she thinks she has cleared the breakers, but realizes she is mistaken when a massive wave towers over her. Just before it crashes, Kai surges through the wave’s face and embraces her. They tumble violently underwater before his tail propels them to safety.

Kai scolds Orlaith for swimming in such dangerous weather. He makes her meet his gaze and presses her to explain what is wrong. She confesses her fear of losing him. Kai promises he is not going anywhere, but she knows she is the one who will be leaving.