The chapter opens with a flashback to the events of the previous chapter, in which Zev reunites with his younger brother, who has been imprisoned in the orphanage because of his resemblance to Zev's older brother, Lin. Zev explains that he hates humans because they are "cowardly and ignorant" . He tells Lin that he is his lover, and that he will give him some custom-made clothing the next day. He also explains that the stolav butterfly that he raised is not poisonous, but rather harmless. He explains that every day he looks forward to playing with Lin, but he is disillusioned when he realizes that his expectations are getting dimmer.