Lulu, Lebna, Adanech, and the Lel'ult Talei head to the east, searching for the fourth of the handed beasts. The coast is Lulu's childhood and she is excited to return and to find what the last beast is.

But there she meets Negasi, a Yigdu she does not remember.

He remembers her though. She was there during the Cleansing and is the reason he is alone.

Lulu isn't the type to dwell, which is why coming face to face with a life she has ruined catches her off guard. She wishes to prove she isn't the same foolish spear who followed the traitor Masozi, but Negasi refuses to give her that opportunity. Others, including Lebna, think she should leave well enough alone. But as Yigdu assassins who refuse Talei as Lel'ult close in, Lulu doesn't have the time to consider how she is right or wrong. And this cuts deep when it never had before.
Atoning is bigger than herself, Lulu doesn't want anyone to think Talei's bid for peace is wrong.

Lulu regrets ever having followed Masozi.

So she must prove herself better.