Sirin's assigned guest chamber in Hollow Bell Keep, luxurious but prisonlike, late on the fourth night.

Sirin tests the chamber's restrictions and confirms she is being guarded.

Sirin thinks of Hollow Spring and the people her silence is meant to protect.

Lucien arrives at Sirin's chamber with tea and a sealed document, without forcing entry.

Lucien makes clear he is not using force and that the guards answer to the house, not to Sirin.

Lucien enters Sirin's chamber; Sirin controls the seating and distance.

Lucien offers tea and begins the bargain with calm practicality.

Lucien proves he knows Hollow Spring's vulnerabilities by naming the youngest novice.

Lucien explains the danger to the monastery if Hollow Bell dissolves and presents his protection as practical mercy.

Sirin reads enough of Lucien's document to realize it may be legally real.

Lucien asks Sirin to declare Casimir unworthy, not to lie about the True Name.

Lucien clarifies that he is not asking her to speak the True Name or reveal what she hears.

Sirin hears the True Name brighten in Lucien's throat as he speaks of duty.

A summons from the sickroom cuts the bargain short.

Sirin and Lucien walk toward the sickroom with guards around them.

After the pressure eases, Lucien leaves Sirin with the offer still alive.

Sirin neither accepts nor refuses Lucien's bargain as the fractured hum lingers in her hearing.