Kin, Lilac, Anisa, Gibson, Xander, Longtooth, and Long-Shadow head out into the Desolate Band. When night falls all seems peaceful … until Lilac finds herself shifting into the beast. This time, though, her mind remains with her. She wakes the group and they discuss the situation. Deciding she's safe, they return to bed. The traveling does seem to wear on the group, though … for by next evening, Kin and Xander get into an argument on fighting and killing. The night ends … without any real closure on the discussion. Kin simply … gives up and goes to bed. The others follow soon after.