At an evening feast with the feline Gigi of the town of Seafoam, Elijah, Inri and Watches-Quietly listen to a tale told by Dinala, priestess of Nala. The evil goddess "Amena" of the tale bears obvious resemblance to the "Amenlichtli" that has been such a trouble for Elijah and his family.

The next morning, Elijah sits down with Dinala, and asks her more about Amena and Nala … and, specifically, what can be done to resist Amena. One thing that he is advised is that one "with the mark of Amena" (spots) should not have children, so that the curse is not passed on to the next generation. Elijah is not too happy with the prospect of having to tell his children that they cannot have any of their own.

Elijah seeks out Inri, who is watching the sunrise. He learns that she has been having disturbing dreams, and can no longer discount them as mere dreams.