Summary

Dima hears the barn doors slam in the storm outside. He is terrified of going out in the dark as his brother Pyotr tells him stories of spirits that take children’s souls. When Papa arrives, Dima rushes outside thinking of a hero named Felix to give himself courage. He remembers his parents' conversations about a potential civil war. His father has faith in King Nikolai, but his mother is uncertain. In the barn, he is attacked by a shadow monster. A Grisha arrives, binds the monster, and gives Dima silver coins for his silence before taking the monster away.

The next chapter begins in the coach as the king’s general, Zoya worries that someone may have seen Nikolai leaving the castle. She is grateful for the storm, as any damage Nikolai’s monster caused will be blamed...