Before dawn in the confessional wing, Aune waits alone behind the lattice as Edran silently delivers the promised cipher key.

Aune opens the packet and understands the legal danger of accepting it.

The cipher key begins to unlock Malrec's journal.

Aune decodes the first layer of Malrec's practical deceptions.

The journal reveals executions hidden as devotional language.

Oren interrupts and nearly sees too much.

Oren leaves, and Aune returns to the journal with more urgency.

Aune finds her surname in Malrec's journal.

The journal identifies Elian Veldemar and pulls Aune into a childhood memory.

Aune connects the folded-leaf cipher mark to a childhood brooch.

The journal implies Elian arranged Aune's placement in the Veiled archive.

The Veil responds to Aune's rising panic even though she has not spoken.

Aune lays out her three possible choices and sees danger in each.

Aune sees Edran and Mirelle in betrothal colors down the corridor.

Edran and Aune cannot speak as the guards move everyone along.

Aune reaches the council doors and sees the people who will judge whatever she does next.

At the door, Aune confronts the consequences of exposure, concealment, and conspiracy.

Aune touches the council door latch as the Veil gathers near her mouth.

The chapter ends before Aune opens the council door.