Mr. Today welcomes Claire and Octavia to the secret meeting. He worries about how many more times he can protect Artimé from the governors. The attendees discuss Alex, who Octavia believes should have been in Magical Warrior Training months ago. The instructors are beginning to doubt the policy of holding him back. But Mr. Today is worried that, if Alex receives Magical Warrior Training, he will use his magic to find Aaron. The mage believes twins have a connection, a “loyalty which exceeds all others” (83). Other suspicious activity, such as missing theatre costumes, has made Mr. Today concerned for Artimé. Eventually, however, he agrees to allow Alex to begin training. At the same time, he tells Claire to prepare the warriors for battle. 

Alex experiences anxiety dreams in which he is taunted by his friends before being thrown out of Artimé. He dreams about Quill, but a brighter, more colorful version than the reality. He dreams that Aaron is mourning him and that he brings Aaron to Artimé. His dream is interrupted by a vision of High Priest Justine, and he wakes up screaming. His blackboard consoles him, informing him that Ms. Octavia is waiting to speak to him. She arrives and tells Alex that he will begin Magical Warrior Training.