Hannah becomes increasingly troubled by the idea that she has traded too much of herself to gain security and social standing. What she has won from her efforts, she wishes she had gained in better company. She retreats to her room, locking her door against Shem, Noah, and Japeth, and crying for the first time that she can remember.

Japeth grows increasingly violent and confident in his skills. When Mrs. Noyes tries to stop him from harming the calves, he throws her into a wall and stands over her with a sword. Japeth is stared down by Lucy, whom he does not recognize in her new form. After killing four calves and taking their heads as trophies, he threatens to kill his mother if she “comes at him” again. His name soon becomes “synonymous with violent death” (293).

While Noah ruminates on sacrifice and assures himself that Yaweh cannot possibly be dead, the unicorn’s mate, the Lady, starves herself to death. Lucy plans a revolt. She uses demons to burn holes in the wooden door at the top of the stairs, so that she can unbolt it.