As she travels to the seaside town of Marenia to visit her mother and consider her place in the family, Shae remembers the series of events that led her to leave Kekon and earn her grandfather’s ire. She was approached by the Espenian military, who wanted information about the inner workings of the clans. While her work with them earned her a student visa to study abroad in Espenia, the fallout within her family was severe.

When Shae returns to her apartment, she realizes that she forgot her keys at her mother’s house and climbs the fire escape in hopes of an open window. When she passes Caun’s apartment, she sees that it is completely empty. Quickly, she pieces together that Caun has been watching her for Hilo. Shae rebukes Hilo for having her tailed and insists he stop. He reluctantly agrees, but notes that it is too much to ask for a Kaul to have a normal life.

Anden picks up a secret package for Lan and delivers it to the estate. When he finds Lan in the training room, Lan makes Anden practice Deflections—Anden’s weakest skill.