Makoto heads for the Fort, feeling guilty, in the wake of Hera’s death, about how delighted he is about his upcoming night with Adena. He smiles when he sees the banner that Adena has hung above the Fort to welcome Paedyn home. When he settles onto the dirty floor inside the Fort, he finds himself wondering what, if anything, Adena has told Paedyn about him. He worries that Adena may have shared the fact that he is a Wielder, but finally decides that he trusts Adena to keep his secret. He has brought with him a gift for Adena: an intricately carved sewing needle. It begins to grow late, and he wonders where Adena could be. Deciding that she must be caught up helping Paedyn, he decides to go home, where he can sleep more comfortably. On his way back to his shop, he sees a poster advertising the final Trial, one which the public is invited to watch. It will take place in the Bowl Arena; Makoto pictures Adena in the stands, frightened as she watches Paedyn compete. He decides that, even though he hates the Trials and would be taking a big risk by entering such a public space, he will find Adena at the Bowl Arena and sit with her, so that he can support her.