With the question of Kiren settled, Charles continues to keep his eyes on the edges of the preserve with questions swirling in his mind. Where has Sarah been for the past week? Who exactly is Wuice, and why is it now so critical for him to find her? All of which isn't helped by fact that Dari doesn't seem any less deterred in her desires now that her sister is around. But while his attention is away from the house, a new force begins to stir that wishes not to be revealed, or at least not to the caretaker of the preserve. Is it Sarafune's fault it's there? Charles's? What of its claims are true, and what of it are lies? And will Charles be able to notice it before it's too late?