At Sea Gate, Nahiri recruits Akiri, Zareth, Orah and Kaza to reach the Murasa Skyclave. The party has suffered enough loss to understand the appeal of a safer world. Nahiri has the key, ancient knowledge and a promise large enough to make another dangerous climb seem worthwhile.
Zareth remains suspicious. He tests her through a game and tries to take the key, then privately asks Kesenya to find a buyer for the Core who would leave it unused. His concern is political as well as practical: an old world of fortresses and armies might restore power to some people by taking it from others.
Meanwhile, Jace returns to a rebuilding Sea Gate and encounters survivors who bear the cost of its defence. His search for Nissa brings their strained friendship back into view. Neither the city nor their relationship can simply be returned to an earlier state. The proposed cure must answer to what exists now.