Isla is weak, wounded by the arrow, but the heart’s magic saves her from death. Celeste is healed, too, by a rare Wildling elixir Grim has found. Isla runs to her friend and promises to make everything better. Oro returns at dusk and gives Isla the heart of Lightlark, which she dropped when she was shot. They surmise that they have fulfilled all parts of the prophecy, except for which ruler must die. Since Isla wants to save Celeste, Oro chooses Grim to die. Isla objects, arguing that Cleo or Azul are better candidates, but Oro explains away their suspicious behaviors. Isla threatens Oro and then leaves.

In an attempt to save Grim’s life, Isla asks Celeste to allow him into their bondbreaker plan. They decide to do it at the Place of Mirrors, which will suppress everyone else’s power. Isla collects Grim, who promises to do anything to help, and then reveals that the sensual dreams Isla has had about them are actually memories he has magically suppressed. Prior to the Centennial, they had a year-long, secret romantic relationship.