Chaol waits impatiently for Yrene’s arrival, frustrated by her tardiness and his own physical limitations. To pass the time, he engages in strenuous exercises, pushing his body to its limits despite his injuries. His thoughts drift to Dorian, his absent king, adding to his agitation. When Yrene finally appears, she looks visibly distressed, though she avoids explaining her condition, focusing instead on Chaol’s workout and making a pointed remark about the khagan’s rugs. Their interaction is tense, marked by Chaol’s stubborn refusal to engage with the palace guard, revealing his unresolved emotional wounds.

Yrene’s demeanor is unusually withdrawn, and she devises a ruse to send Kadja away, claiming Chaol has a rash. Once alone, she reveals the shocking news: a healer was murdered in the library the previous night, and Yrene believes she was the intended target. The victim’s body was drained of life, resembling a desiccated corpse, a detail that immediately alarms Chaol. Yerne explains that the killer likely mistook the other healer for her due to their similar appearance, and the books she was reading about Chaol’s injury mysteriously vanished after the attack.

Chaol’s instincts point to the Valg, ancient enemies he has encountered before, as the likely culprits. He presses Yrene for details, trying to piece together the threat. Yerne, exhausted and fearful, admits she was researching the dark power that injured Chaol, suggesting a connection between his presence and the attack. The realization that someone is targeting healers—and possibly Yerne specifically—heightens the tension between them. Chaol’s protective instincts kick in, though he struggles with his physical limitations and the growing sense of danger.

The chapter ends with a chilling revelation: Yerne’s research into Chaol’s condition may have drawn dangerous attention. The murder in the library suggests a larger conspiracy, and Chaol’s arrival in the city seems to have triggered it. Their conversation leaves both characters unsettled, with Yerne’s fear palpable and Chaol grappling with guilt and concern. The stage is set for further conflict as they confront the looming threat together, their partnership now tinged with urgency and shared vulnerability.

The chapter opens with Chaol Westfall waiting anxiously for Yrene, who is late without explanation. As he attempts to exercise to pass the time, his thoughts drift to Dorian and the uncertain whereabouts of the king. Despite his physical struggles and the oppressive heat, Chaol remains tense, eager for answers and concerned about the mysterious absence of Yrene. Her tardiness and distant demeanor set a tone of underlying tension, hinting at deeper issues beneath the surface of their interaction. The scene establishes a mood of anticipation and unease, emphasizing Chaol’s physical and emotional vulnerability in this moment of waiting.

When Yrene finally arrives, she appears visibly exhausted and distressed. Her calm but edged tone reveals she is carrying a sensitive matter that requires discretion, involving a rash on Chaol’s legs and the need for secrecy. Her concern about the potential consequences of revealing the rash hints at the delicate political or social implications at play. The conversation quickly shifts from casual to tense, as Chaol questions her about her behavior and her decision to dismiss Kadja. Yrene’s guarded responses and her heavy demeanor suggest she is concealing a significant, troubling secret that impacts both of them.

Yrene then reveals a shocking and dangerous incident: someone murdered a healer in the library and targeted her as well. She recounts discovering the victim’s drained body, which resembled her own, indicating a sinister attack involving a creature or force that leaves no visible injuries. Her description points to a dark, possibly supernatural threat, heightening the sense of danger and urgency. The attack’s proximity and the victim’s resemblance to Yrene suggest that she is a specific target, perhaps linked to her recent reading about powerful, forbidden knowledge. This revelation shifts the chapter into a realm of imminent threat and mystery.

In the final part, Yrene discloses that the attacker was likely searching for her, based on her recent research into a dangerous power that injured Chaol. The missing books and the attack on the healer imply a conspiracy or a hidden enemy aware of her interests and knowledge. Her exhaustion and fear underscore the peril she faces, while Chaol’s concern deepens as he realizes the attack could have broader implications. The chapter ends with an ominous note about the danger surrounding Yrene and the potential for further threats, emphasizing the need for vigilance and the gravity of their situation.