Quicksilver

When Saeris wakes up freezing and hears a feminine voice singing, she panics, assuming she still in the palace. The singer enters and hands Saeris a full glass of water, which, to Saeris, is unfathomable bounty. The woman introduces herself as Everlayne and chats with Saeris kindly. Saeris is shocked to see that Everlayne has pointed ears, which means that the Fae are real, as is her memory of Death. Everlayne is offended when she learns that the Fae, to humans, are mythical creatures that bring pestilence and conflict.

Everlayne observes that Saeris is a Fae name. They are in the Winter Palace of Yvelia—a place Everlayne is shocked is not familiar to Saeris. An enormous Fae male named Renfis enters; Death needs the chain he gave Saeris back. Everlayne is shocked to learn that Death is already weakened after a mere 10 days without the chain and its pendant. Everlayne and Renfis cryptically discuss how Death needs to return to Cahlish, and how Renfis has been keeping Death hidden from Everlayne’s father. 

When Renfis leaves, Everlayne offers Saeris a bath, something Everlayne sees as a common event but to Saeris is shockingly luxurious. Saeris insists she needs to return home, which Everlayne says is impossible.