Unknown to the others, Xander has run afoul of von Horne, the huntress, as the others explored the underwater shrine. Sensing he might be in trouble, Umeko swims out, followed by Anisa and Lilac, with Gibson trailing behind. Exiting the pool proves hazardous as the Huntress's snares catch Umeko and fling Gibson. Enraged, Lilac charges the Korvess while Anisa rushes to her brother's aid. Gibson is fine, but Lilac isn't nearly so lucky. The Huntress's specialized tools and training allow her to easily capture the bardess in a chain enabled choke, squeezing the life from her as Anisa rushes to her defense. The female Lapi trades blows, but it soon becomes apparent Lilac will not suffer the choking long. Shifting to her human form just as Anisa makes a a dive, Lilac manages to escape as her friend tackles her tormentor. Shortly after Umeko frees herself, as partially does Xander. The Huntress is soon routed, only for another threat to arise. Howling gives rise to the approach of the Midnight Murder, and many of them. It is decided Lilac, holding her curse and perhaps being familiar, will meet with them as the others conceal themselves. Giving a howl of her own, Lilac is soon surrounded by by the Murder, who interrogate her, much to Lilac and the Murder's mutual confusion. The Murder can provide Lilac few by cryptic hints as to how and why she is associated with them, and they soon demand she reveal the people she was with. The others mostly reveal themselves, though Gibson choses to remain behind in case someone is needed on the outside, and soo the others are off across the mists … to Castle Pieksvaldt.