In the gripping fourth episode of The Wheel Of Time's second season, Ishmael extends a helping hand to a frightened, blood-soaked woman, hinting at her potential status as another forsaken akin to him. Elsewhere, the stunning revelation rocks Lady Anvaere's world as she awakens in Cairhien to learn that her estranged sister, Moiraine, has returned to the city after an absence spanning decades.
As Selene's inn burns to the ground on the preceding night, Rand politely declines her offer of refuge at her parents' cottage in the Foregate, citing its ongoing reconstruction. However, he eventually relents and accepts her hospitality. Meanwhile, Nynaeve grapples with mixed emotions regarding her recent experiences in the arches, despite her nascent acceptance of them.
Lan, now bondless, finds himself at a loss for direction. He steadfastly refuses to serve as a warder for another Aes Sedai when Alanna informs him of Nynaeve's passage through the arches. Despite her sister's warm gesture of offering tea and refreshments, Moiraine politely declines and heads towards the Cairhien Sanatorium. She believes that Logain can assist Rand in mastering his channelling abilities, and in exchange, she offers the false dragon the one thing he desires above all else: a dagger to end his life.
Liandrin's curiosity piques as he learns about a series of assaults plaguing the Western Shore, wondering why Leane Sharif, the Keeper of the Chronicles and supervisor of the White Tower in Siuan's absence, hasn't taken more decisive action. Perrin embarks on a journey of self-discovery, learning from Elyas that they are both Wolf Brothers, sharing a unique psychic bond with wild creatures that allows them to decipher the animals' dreams and converse with them. Elyas has been monitoring Perrin for months but hesitated to approach him due to Wolf Brothers' aversion to women with channelling abilities and his proximity to Aes Sedai.
Mat and Min enjoy a lively evening at the tavern, with Mat indulging in drinks while Min patiently awaits his next move. However, Min's night takes a dark turn as she experiences a harrowing dream where she is forced into becoming a fortune teller. Soon after, she encounters Ishmael, who urges her to bring Mat to Cairhien.
Emerging from the arches, Nynaeve confides in Liandrin about her discomfort. In return, Liandrin unveils the identity of her long-hidden son, who has remained concealed for eight decades. She also updates Nynaeve on Perrin's whereabouts. The Aes Sedai are aware of the attacks plaguing the West, yet they seem reluctant to intervene.
As Lan grapples with the aftermath of his separation from Moiraine, Alanna stumbles upon a poem, hastily scratched into parchment with blood, amidst his personal effects. Her eyes widen with concern as she deciphers its haunting verses. Meanwhile, upon learning of Perrin and Loial's captivity, Nynaeve urgently seeks out her confidant Egwene, and together they devise a daring plan to flee the tower and rescue their comrades. Just as they embark on their mission, Elayne joins them, but their path is abruptly blocked by Liandrin, who, after a fleeting apology, unleashes her formidable powers upon them in a fierce onslaught.
Elsewhere, Moiraine ventures to the Foregate in search of Rand, who has vanished into the mountain wilds to be with Selene. Moiraine spends a fruitless day scouring Cairhien for his trace, and upon returning to her chamber, she is greeted by Anvaere, whose cunning rivals that of her elder sibling. With her silken tongue, Anvaere persuades Moiraine that sharing tea with her is the only way to unravel the mystery of Rand's whereabouts.
Under the cover of night, Rand and Selene are abruptly awoken by a Fade's savage attack, prompting Rand to tap into the One Power and slay the monstrous creature. Initially, Selene displays a palpable fear of Rand and his abilities, yet she swiftly surrenders to the inevitable, assuring him of her unconditional acceptance.
The enigmatic poem's secrets are finally unveiled, foretelling the return of the Forsaken Lanfear, alias the Daughter of the Night. A stunning revelation dawns: Selene herself is the Night's Daughter. During their intimate moments, she confesses her true nature to Rand. Fortunately, Moiraine arrives at a crucial juncture, her blade flashing as it slices through Selene's throat.
Rand, still cloaked in rose-tinted illusions, momentarily appreciates Moiraine's drastic act in sacrificing his beloved. However, the truth unveiled by Moiraine about Selene's identity shatters his illusions, leading him to depart with her. As the scene closes, Selene's face is shown in a stark close-up, revealing a grimace of defiance—she is, in fact, still very much alive.
When Egwene ventures to visit Nynaeve, she is met with the heart-wrenching news of her dear friend's passing. Overwhelmed by an ocean of grief, she struggles to come to terms with the loss. Meanwhile, amidst the turmoil, Liandrin makes an unexpected appearance at Mat's cell, freeing him from confinement. She scorns him for betraying his closest allies, her words cutting like a dagger despite his fervent denials. As a cruel twist, she suggests that if he wishes to remain free, he should seek refuge with Egwene.
Shortly thereafter, Egwene confronts Liandrin, her voice tinged with accusations, demanding to know her role in Nynaeve's demise. In response, Liandrin unburdens her soul, revealing a shattered trust in Nynaeve that turned to dust. Elsewhere, Rand races to meet Logain, desperate for a solution to tame the beast within him. Logain delivers a stark truth: Rand lacks control over his abilities, and they will eventually consume him.
Upon escaping his cell, Mat speeds towards Egwene, intent on offering comfort. Yet, upon witnessing her profound sorrow, he hesitates, his heart torn. Instead, he opts to liberate Min, and together, they decide to flee into the unknown. It gradually becomes clear that Min and Liandrin have been colluding behind the scenes. Meanwhile, Perrin manages a daring escape from a speeding carriage, guided by a wolf that emerges as his beacon of hope in the darkness.
Rand, powerless against his burgeoning abilities, finds himself unleashing The One Power in a fit of unconscious fury, resulting in the destruction of his house by the morning light. In contrast, Nynaeve braves the trial of the arches, her fears melting away under the pressure of her trials. Miraculously, she emerges alive but burdened by sorrow. Egwene, seeking to soothe her friend's wounds, wraps her in a cocoon of compassion as the episode draws to a close, leaving their fate hanging in the balance.
