Summary

Helene goes to the Black Guard barracks to choose two of her friends (Dex Atrius and Faris Candelan) to help her on her mission. Harper, her former torturer, is also assigned to accompany her. Helene immediately recognizes his role is to serve as the Commandant’s spy and report on her actions. She quickly informs Dex and Faris that Harper is a spy before they can say anything incriminating around him. Harper hands Helene a ring, the mark of the Blood Shrike, which is her position within the Empire's military. Helene returns home to rest before the journey, but when she enters her room she is grabbed by the Commandant’s slave, Cook, who warns her not to harm Laia.

Meanwhile, Elias regains his strength. He and Laia quickly resume their journey. Laia is happy about their fast pace, because...