Cassian sets up a training ring on the roof of the House of Wind and invites Nesta to work out there. He realizes why she hated the Illyrian training camp. She didn’t want to look vulnerable in front of the arrogant young male trainees. Cassian proposes a bargain. If Nesta will train for an hour, he promises to owe her any favor she asks. Surprisingly, she agrees. The first session consists of nothing but stretches and cooldown, but she gets through it well. She even volunteers to work out for a second hour without asking for another favor. Cassian is encouraged by her cooperation.

That afternoon in the library, Nesta encounters Gwyn again. The acolyte is desperate to find a misplaced book. She is working with a scholar named Merrill, who is very demanding. Gwen explains that Merrill is doing important research on the now-extinct race of Valkyrie female warriors.

After Gwyn hurries off, it occurs to Nesta to ask the house to recover the missing book. It obliges her by producing it, and she goes to Merrill’s office. The woman is just as difficult as Gwyn said. By directing the scholar’s attention elsewhere, Nesta slides the missing volume onto her desk.