The city is bathed in chaotic revelry under the moonlight. Alizeh has an innate fear of darkness: a dread that she believes to be rooted in her Jinn ancestry. Yet despite this emotional handicap, her only leisure time occurs at night, and she must therefore navigate the world primarily while it is covered by the darkness she fears. Departing from Baz House, she feels the strain of her work as her wounded hands bleed. Despite the urgency of treating her injuries, she is initially reluctant to visit the apothecary due to the dangers of the nighttime streets. The city’s typical chaos has reached a fevered pitch, with raucous celebrations and apparent unrest. This setting highlights Alizeh’s unique physical appearance: her color-shifting eyes, which garner attention and are linked to her Jinn ancestry. Upon entering the crowded apothecary, she is overlooked amidst the disarray until the apothecarist finally notices her. Unexpectedly, he points out a severe wound on her neck, which forces Alizeh to confront another pressing health concern.

Kamran faces a whirlwind of personal and political challenges. After his confrontation with the street child, Omid, Kamran is burdened by the looming war and the Seven Houses’ growing doubts about his leadership skills.