Chapter 9

The chapter begins with Adira reluctantly waking up at Frey's cheerful insistence. They tend to Adira's wounds before starting their gathering lesson. Adira expresses her preference for hunting over gathering, but Frey explains her aversion to killing animals. They set off together, and Frey teaches Adira about different plants and their uses. Adira struggles with foraging and feels frustrated and unskilled compared to Frey. She contemplates her usefulness to a tribe and doubts her abilities. However, she stumbles upon a patch of mushrooms and eagerly collects them, hoping to impress Frey. When she shows Frey her haul, she discovers that the mushrooms are poisonous and must discard them.

Adira's frustration boils over, but they are interrupted by Frey's cries for help. Adira rushes to Frey's aid as she is attacked by a boar and drives it away. They have a heartfelt conversation about their respective pasts, and Adira apologizes for her behavior. Frey gifts Adira a fresh daisy to replace the damaged one in her hair. As they return to camp, they hear the Ursa's roar in the distance, signaling danger approaching.