This summary section includes Chapter 46: “The Favors,” Chapter 47: “The Eagle and Rose,” Chapter 48: “Trusting Gabriel,” and Chapter 49: “Annalise.”

Nathan and Gabriel spend time in the woods and mountains around the cottage while they wait for Mercury to decide about Nathan’s Giving. Gabriel says he has nothing to worry about, but the date is eight days away. Mercury’s attractive assistant, Rose, appears to tell Nathan that Mercury has decided to give him three gifts on his birthday. In exchange, she will ask for two favors. One will be given ahead of time and one after Nathan’s Giving.

That evening, after supper, Nathan and Mercury have a private chat about what favors she wants in exchange for her three gifts. The first is to know everything about Nathan’s tattoos. He agrees but says he won’t divulge the information until the day of the ceremony. Secretly, he intends to withhold some facts about the markings. For the second favor, Mercury wants Nathan to kill his father because Marcus killed Mercury’s sister. Nathan protests that he won’t commit murder, but Mercury says that Marcus only cares about himself. When Nathan still refuses, Mercury gives him an alternative favor to perform: He must work as her assistant for a year.