Episode 7 of Shadow and Bone opens with a glimpse into the past, where Kirigan gallops into the horizon in search of a Grisha named Luda. As Baghra guides the other Grisha towards a sanctuary, soldiers descend upon Kirigan and Luda, resulting in the tragic demise of the latter. This ignites a furious blaze in Kirigan's heart, unleashing a devastating slice of shadowy might that slashes the soldiers in two. With Luda's lifeless body cradled in his arms, Kirigan rushes towards the Grisha sanctuary.
Baghra's stern warning against Kirigan's plans to create the Fold falls on deaf ears as the future General clings onto numerous journals, eager to learn how to retaliate and forge an army. Suddenly, ominous bells toll outside, breaking Kirigan's concentration. He strides out, only to find himself surrounded by the King's orders. Defiantly, Kirigan ventures out alone, utilizing his shadow powers to unleash the ominous Shadow Fold.
In the present, Kirigan leads his men into the frigid tundra, hunting for Mal and Alina. Kaz, however, debates whether to cut their losses and return home, a suggestion that sits uneasily with Inej, especially given her past.
Meanwhile, Alina and Mal stumble upon the mythical stag in the woods. Instead of taking aim, Alina decides to approach it, eventually touching its nose, poised to absorb its power. But just as she's about to, Kirigan and his men emerge, launching an attack. In the chaos that ensues, the stag is shot, and Mal is struck as well.
General Kirigan finally appears, ready to unleash his shadow powers on Mal. But in a moment of brilliance, Alina summons a dazzling light barrier, protecting them from harm.
Unfortunately, Alina sacrificed the protective barrier in a desperate attempt to save Mal. Without hesitation, Kirigan seized the opportunity, swiftly severing the head of the mystical stag. Grasping Alina in his grasp, he revealed his sinister plan to drain her power into his own. Using the remains of the deer as a conduit, Kirigan manipulated David to form a bridge between them, allowing him to wield her formidable abilities. This revelation cast a dark shadow over their future as the group journeyed to the First Camp.
Within the camp, Alina stumbled upon Genya, who confirmed the King's illness and the Queen's isolation. However, Genya's true identity as a spy working for Kirigan was a shocking revelation. She was the unseen hand that had ensured Mal's letters never reached their intended recipient.
As they spoke, Kirigan appeared before Mal, goading the soldier and revealing that he had read their letters. He spoke of patience and time, his intention to wait for Alina to come to him, unaware that Mal had no intention of waiting. Using his cunning, Mal lured a goat over and slipped the bonds that bound him. With his guard slumbering, Mal slipped away into the night.
Upon learning of Mal's escape, Kirigan issued strict orders to Ivan and his men to take Mal down if he approached Alina.
Meanwhile, Inej bade farewell to Kaz, who promised to do everything in his power to ensure she never returned to Heleen. Alongside Jesper, they prepared to traverse the Fold, a journey that would require a skiff to cross the vast divide. Abandoning their mission to capture Alina, they chose to return home, blending in with the ranks of the First Army using disguises and forged documents. Mal, too, was aboard, concealed in the shadows of the cabins below. Kaz, Jesper, and Inej blended seamlessly, acknowledging the perilous nature of their exposed position as the vessel set sail, marking the beginning of the season's climactic finale.
