Kazuo and Adriana attempt to get into the routine of living together, but Adriana's resolve is shaken when a charming
Hylian named Gavin Culp pays a call on the Phoenix Fighters. Gavin explains that his employer's daughter, Lady Shira
Asboe, has been missing for a year and was finally traced to Shaldani. He hires the Phoenix Fighters to find her so
he can return her to Hyrule. Immediately, Kazuo and the former Guardians recognize Gavin from an alternate timeline
in which he was Adriana's married lover.
Adriana initially lashes out at Gavin, causing him great discomfort. Strangely enough, Kazuo seems to like him
and the two become friends, despite the fact that Kazuo knows what Gavin will become. This relationship distresses Adriana
who angrily tells Gavin exactly what is in store for his future marriage. His world falling apart, Gavin makes a clumsy
suicide attempt, using an Ebene weapon from the House.
Suspicion points to Kazuo who denies the act. He and Adriana get into a shouting match, that ends with Adriana
asking Warren to inhabit Lucien's body and sleep with her. Warren possesses Lucien, but Adriana changes her mind.
The two end up spending a quiet evening together, talking about her difficult relationship with Kazuo and leaving Tranns to
wonder where Lucien has disappeared to this time.
Adriana confronts Kazuo about their relationship troubles. In an angry shouting match, he confesses to her that
he has wicked intentions and plans to conquer the realm, learning from Zelazny's mistakes with the Phoenix Fighters.
Adriana immediately tells Tranns about this and the two of them drug Kazuo's drink, trapping him in a magic proof room.
Though Kazuo tries to tell Tranns the truth about Ana and Warren's use of Lucien's body, Adriana manages to counter the attempt.
Valero is called upon to begin treating Kazuo and find the cause of his intentions.
Meanwhile, Rally and Mairi, two members of the Crismon League of Thieves, learn about Gavin's reward money set off
to find Shira. Once inside the stronghold, things go about strangely with ease, and they find the young woman with no
trouble whatsoever. However, as they begin their escape, they are ambushed and forced to fight back. In the midst
of battle, Rally seems to forget her meek and gentle ways, resulting in her killing a few of the Ebene. Afterwards,
their retreat is made easier, and they flee from the fortress, escaping with only a few scrapes and bruises.
Back in the House, Gavin is reunited with his fiance, Shira. He realizes that his suicide attempt has reminded
him of the reasons why he fell in love with her. He thanks Adriana for giving him this clarity, even if what she said
wasn't true. Adriana gives Gavin the engagement necklace his alternate self offered her years ago when he proposed.
Gavin gives the necklace to Shira and together, they leave for home. Left alone, Adriana reflects over her various relationships,
filled with dread at her recent discovery that she is once again pregnant.
