The Depth Charger stops at Avallen’s  mist wards. Bryce draws the Starsword and creates a wall in the mist, through which a white boat sails as King Morven’s voice welcomes them. Bryce and her friends disembark. At the last moment, Tharion, who’s been ordered to remain aboard by the Ocean Queen, follows them, going beyond the wards and out of the Ocean Queen’s reach.

Bryce’s group arrives in Morven’s throne room, where the Murder Twins hold captive Sathia Flynn, the sister of Ruhn’s best friend Tristan Flynn.

Morven claims that every Valbaran Fae seeking shelter in Avallen must pay a price. The Flynns escaped the Asteri and now want to be protected in Avallen, but Sathia has refused to fulfill her price by marrying one of the Murder Twins.

Bryce demands access to the Archives and Cave of Princes. Morven claims no women are allowed to enter their sacred spaces, but she convinces him to rethink the decision by presenting the Autumn King’s journal.

Tharion impulsively marries Sathia so that she may be free to travel with them.