Vis notes tension between Ulciscor and Lanistia as they tour Villa Telimus. Ulciscor admits he has not told his wife, Relucia, about adopting Vis; she is away on duty and may not return until after the second trimester. There are no other Telimus children. Their familiarity suggests longstanding trust despite current strain.

The house steward, Dispensator Kadmos, greets Ulciscor, then escorts Vis to the kitchen and a second-floor guest room. Kadmos "disables" the room’s door security with a tile, which only heightens Vis’s suspicion that the household monitors movements. After changing into a new tunic and eating, Vis tests the window, sees no obvious safeguards, and decides to slip outside to learn what Ulciscor is withholding.

Vis misjudges his climb and falls but avoids serious injury. He reaches a lit window and overhears Ulciscor briefing Lanistia: the Transvect ambush was likely orchestrated by the Anguis, possibly involving Melior, given their precise timing and the unknown weapon that incapacitated Ulciscor. Lanistia reports fresh murders in Masen—Sextii with skulls crushed—rattling the Senate despite public condemnations. They also note the Correctors’ blood test of Magnus Quintus Cerrus, which showed no infection. Ulciscor wants answers before Melior is caught.

The conversation shifts to Vis. Lanistia criticizes Ulciscor’s impulsive adoption, warning about trust and the risk of Vis breaking or turning. Ulciscor defends Vis—who saved him during the ambush—arguing he is not an Anguis plant, acknowledges Vis’s unusual education and secrets, and gives Lanistia two months to train and evaluate him. Ulciscor discloses a grim calculus: if Veridius kills Vis on Solivagus, another Telimus death would compel Senate action; he believes Veridius understands this, but insists time is running out regardless.

Startled by a nearby door, Vis withdraws, only to be confronted by Kadmos, who pointedly requests he remain indoors and implies restricted areas within the villa. Escorted back, Vis infers he is being tracked—likely through his new clothing—explaining Kadmos’s timely interception. Exhausted and pained, Vis returns to his room to rest, wary of the surveillance and the dangerous plans surrounding him.