The group picks their way through the forest until they reach the village that’s home to Nix Marsten, the first newblood on the list. While Farley and Shade search for Nix, Cal, Mare, and Kilorn wait in the forest so they aren’t spotted and reported. Mare doesn’t like staying behind, but she understands the necessity. Every person who sees them could start a rumor that brings Maven’s forces down on the town. Farley and Shade can move unseen, and “without the lightning girl to hide, no one will have to die” (152).

Sometime later, Farley and Shade arrive with Nix in tow. Mare starts to explain about the newblood powers, but Nix takes one look at Cal and attacks, his skin hardening so it’s impenetrable like stone. Cal’s fire and Mare’s lightning are useless against Nix’s hardened flesh, and Shade teleports him away from Cal—the only way to stop his attack. Nix’s daughters died in the war as part of a tactical offense maneuver developed by Cal. He doesn’t want to work with the prince, but learning there are more newbloods who need protecting and that Maven will kill him, Nix joins the group, pointing to Cal and saying, “[J]ust keep that one far away from me” (161).