Episode 2 of Shadow and Bone season 2 kicks off with Sturmhond's revelation that he won't hand Alina over to the Fjerdans, but his intentions remain ambiguous. He's still calculating, searching for the highest bidder for the Sun Summoner. Alina attempts to negotiate with the pirate, highlighting the rewards he'd receive from the King of Ravka and revealing her ultimate goal: dismantling the Fold. She further tempts him with the hunt for Morozova's elusive Sea Whip, a quest that promises both danger and riches. Stirred by the prospects, Sturmhond agrees to assist Alina in her quest for the second amplifier.
Meanwhile, Kirigan's condition worsens, and he struggles to contain his illness. Desperate, he turns to Genya, who utilizes her powers to heal his wounds, including the gruesome scar on his face. However, the healing unleashes a terrifying shadow monster that emerges from Genya's back, forcing Kirigan to fend it off. Shaken, Genya watches helplessly.
Kirigan then approaches Vladim, pleading for an alchemical solution to his plight. Vladim warns him that his affliction stems from creating these shadow monsters, and the only antidote is more of the same—merzost. But Kirigan desires not to suppress the effects; he wishes to embrace them fully. Vladim, panicked, eventually acquiesces to help.
Unwilling to bide his time, Kirigan retrieves an ancient journal from a waterfall, releasing Baghra, who has been imprisoned within its confines.
Throughout the episode, flashbacks reveal Kaz's tumultuous past with Pekka Rollins. Struggling to survive on the streets, Kaz's feud with Pekka is deeply personal, though the full extent of their rivalry and the reason for Kaz's unwavering vengeance remain elusive.
Kaz's situation intensifies when a constable, assassinated by Pekka in retaliation for the Crow Club explosion, is discovered dead. Enraged, Kaz vows that killing Pekka alone isn't enough; he wants the entire blame pinned on him. To achieve this, they must access Pekka's accountant, Henrik Van Poel. Kaz explains that Pekka's ledger holds the key to understanding his enemy, but the challenge lies in infiltrating the anonymous building where Van Poel works, unaware of the specific office he occupies. With no sharpshooter at their disposal and no identifying markers on the doors, the team faces a daunting task.
Relax, Nina inquired from the waitress and discovered that Henrik's office resided on the second floor. As Kaz embarked on copying Henrik's books, the others trailed behind Pelka's driver. Pekka, increasingly agitated, learned that the damage from the Crow Club explosion had ballooned to a staggering 250,000, and he was hell-bent on apprehending Kaz. His strategy included targeting Inej first.
Elsewhere, Alina and Mal sailed the seas, acquainting themselves with the diverse crew aboard Sturmhond's vessel. Among them were Tolya and his sister, Tamar. However, these introductions were fleeting, as Mal assisted the navigators in charting a course towards their next destination — the Island of Jelke, where an ancient beast awaited.
Despite being armed to the hilt, Alina was adamant that the group must not harm the creature. She vowed that if it was similar to the stag, she would tame it without spilling its blood. Unfortunately, the worst transpired. In a sea cave, the beast launched a ferocious attack, forcing Alina to unleash her magic and slay the monster.
But it wasn't just Alina's plan that faltered. That same night, Kaz's scheme also unravelled. Pekka cornered Kaz, delivering a menacing monologue while taunting that his men would soon be in custody. Pekka had enlisted the help of a taxidermist assassin named Mogens to capture Inej. The two engaged in a rooftop battle, but Inej narrowly escaped before sustaining grievous injuries.
Pekka had also laid a trap for Jesper, who unwittingly walked into it. Jesper and Wylan found themselves in a gunfight, their lives hanging in the balance. Yet, through slick camera work and quick thinking, they managed to escape and rendezvous with Kaz as planned.
As for Kaz, Nina, a wildcard in every sense, swooped in to rescue him from Pekka's clutches. She utilized her powers and a barrage of bombs to aid their escape. However, in the process, Nina was shot and wounded, forcing the group to seek refuge. Pekka, however, was even more determined to make them pay.
Meanwhile, aboard Sturmhond's boat, Alina embraced her burgeoning power as a ceremony honored those slain by the Sea Whip. This newfound strength seemed to consume her until Mal stepped in, embracing his beloved, helping to stabilize her energy as they hugged tightly.
Once Alina regained her composure, she proposed they journey to East Ravka and then delve into the Fold. Unfortunately, Kirigan sensed Alina's growing might and smirked sinisterly in the shadows, his evil intentions brewing.
