In the capital, Maven and Mare ride in a transport, and Maven describes the city. The eastern side is for common Silvers—everyday people who aren’t part of the noble families—and the west is for the highborn and royalty. When they arrive at the palace, Mare is forced to give a speech about new restrictions for Reds. There will be a new curfew; any Red who breaks any law will be executed; and the conscription age will be lowered, and anyone with information on the rebels may win an exemption. The restrictions will be upheld until “the disease known as the Scarlet Guard is destroyed” (293).

In her room, Mare finds a gift from Julian: a book that looks normal but contains the names and details of Reds who have a new marker in their blood that makes them somehow both Red and Silver. This means that Mare is not unique; she is one of many. Julian urges Mare to find them and train them because they might be “the new dawn” and the world’s only chance (296).

Cal finds Mare in a sitting room. They fight about the Scarlet Guard and how to change society. Cal can’t bring himself to fight for the change, and Mare struggles to understand how he can let so many die.