Chapter 27

The protagonist, now healed from her torture, learns that the aurora is about to rise and her execution is imminent. Uno, a small furry creature, infiltrates the dungeon on Sereme's orders to free her, but a vision showing that the protagonist's death is necessary to save others convinces Uno to let her stay. Before leaving, Uno marks the protagonist's forehead with a moon symbol in coal.

After Bhea finishes applying healing oil to the protagonist's recovered wounds, the King suggests removing her shoulder pin before her execution, but decides against it due to time constraints—the aurora is about to rise. The protagonist, now in her cell awaiting death, grows increasingly anxious. Uno arrives at the bars, sent by Sereme with orders to free her. The protagonist initially refuses, fearing the danger to Uno and to Ruse if she escapes and the Guild continues hunting. Uno experiences one of her rare visions and sees that if the protagonist does not go to the coliseum, both Ruse and Sereme will die. Convinced by this foresight, Uno abandons the rescue attempt. Before leaving, she marks the protagonist's forehead with coal in the shape of a moon—a symbol the protagonist associates with falling things. A male cellmate observes this and questions why she has a moon on her forehead.