Dawes informs Alex of a meeting with the new Praetor, Professor Raymond Walsh-Whiteley. Alex agrees to meet him after class. During their conversation, he questions her background and expresses sexist views about women at Yale and Lethe. Despite the tension, Alex tries to appease him. The discussion shifts when he asks about her ability to see the dead. Alex eventually admits to it, omitting her ability to hear them. She deceives him by claiming there is a Gray in his office, based on a man in a photo there. Her lie softens his demeanor, temporarily gaining his trust, but Alex remains cautious.

Leaving his office, Alex reflects on the Praetor’s motives and his potential access to Lethe’s resources, including poisons and potions. She begins to suspect his involvement in the recent murders.

Alex and Dawes discuss the new Praetor, relieved that he seems unaware of recent Lethe events. Dawes shares her Halloween plan to complete the Gauntlet, with Alex confident they will find the needed four participants, though Turner has not agreed. They also need someone to protect their bodies during the ritual. Mercy offers to help. Though Dawes is initially concerned about an outsider’s involvement, and Alex is worried about Mercy’s safety, they eventually agree.