Episode 6 of Shadow and Bone kicks off with Yora and Kirigan descending into the murky basement, their interrogation of the Conductor, Arken, intensifying. Little did they know, one of his guards, Ivan, a hidden Grisha, could sense the deceitful waves emanating from the man's lips. Ironically, Nina too had been playing a part in deception, a spy planted by Kirigan, only her plans were foiled when she fell into the clutches of the Witchhunters. Her disappearance now casts a shadow of suspicion over Ivan. Exasperated, Kirigan snaps, and Ivan's fate is sealed.
Kirigan's forces then bifurcate, one contingent sent in pursuit of Alina, while the other headed for Nina's presumed whereabouts. Nina, however, remained afloat, having survived the shipwreck by clinging to a driftwood plank. Unlike the Titanic, this story had a different ending, as the pair shared the plank and found their way to the shore. They stumbled upon a mountain hut, huddling close for warmth as the night deepened.
In the dead of night, Matthias awoke, pulling away instinctively. Their verbal sparring over the disparities between their respective hometowns escalated, yet amidst the laughter and barbs, a bond was forming. Matthias even confessed his fondness for Nina, though he hesitated to trust his feelings, especially knowing she was a Grisha. When the ice threatened to claim Nina, Matthias made a swift decision, saving her from imminent peril.
Meanwhile, Alina emerged from her trunk to find Kaz, Inej, and Jesper awaiting her. After a fleeting display of her powers, she took flight. They had arrived in Ryevost, the heart of East Ravka, and Alina found herself dodging both Kaz and the authorities. As she fled into the dense woods, she stumbled into Mal, and their reunion was warm and fleeting.
Sharing their tales of their journey, Mal revealed he had found the fabled stag in the forest, to which Alina replied that Kirigan had stolen her journal. After an embrace and catching up, the pair shyly retreated to find shelter.
Back in the town's bustle, Kirigan intercepted Kaz and his crew. Ivan entered a chamber adorned with sheets, where Jesper was already at play, using his sharpshooting skills to outwit Ivan. Inej was locked in a fierce battle with a Squaller, eventually stabbing her in the abdomen, while Zoya was on the hunt for Kaz. Unfortunately, Kirigan found Kaz instead and unleashed his formidable shadow powers. However, Kaz, with his cunning, blinded Kirigan and escaped down the narrow alleys, narrowly escaping death's embrace.
As the sun broke over the horizon, Alina and Mal decided to work together to find the mythical stag before Kirigan could. Their quest was about to begin.
