Alina is taken to the Darkling’s coach to travel to the Little Palace, where Grisha train. She is under extreme protection in case of assassination attempts by Fjerdan and Shu Han enemies, as Alina’s ability to summon light gives Ravka greater strength against its enemies. A Corporalki Healer tends to Alina’s wounds. The chemical used creates an itching sensation and heals the wounds instantly.

All Grisha wear a different colored kefta, or robe, depending on their Order. The keftas are made by Grisha Materialki and are bulletproof. Alina is given the Healer’s red kefta for protection, since Alina’s First Army apparel is inferior. Two Grisha tell Alina about “amplifiers,” objects that amplify a Grisha’s power. The Darkling himself is an amplifier, explaining how his touch called forward Alina’s power. As they travel, Alina has mixed feelings of self-doubt and awe.

The coach comes up to a fallen tree—a trap—and suddenly they are under attack. Alina is chased by a Fjerdan who calls her a witch. In other nations, Grisha are feared and punished for their powers. More soldiers and the Darkling arrive just as the Fjerdan captures Alina, knife poised above her. The Darkling casts darkness around the Fjerdans, blinding them.