Content Warning: This section contains references to self-inflicted bodily harm, witch burning, rape, violence, forced incarceration, suicide, and sexual activity.

Louise’s (or Lou’s) story begins in a brothel (The Bellerose) as she and her friend Coco wait for Babette, a sex worker. Disguised as men, they’re eager to find out if Pierre Tremblay, a dealer of illegal-market magical objects, has a magical ring that once belonged to Lou’s ancestor Angelica. Tremblay is nervous and wants to get rid of the ring. His eldest daughter was recently killed by witches as a warning not to exploit witches or their objects. In Belterra, witches are hunted as outlaws, which is why Lou is hiding her real identity as one. As a Dame Blanche, Lou can easily blend into society. Dames Rouges—witches like Coco and Babette—must hide the scars they receive when doing blood magic.

Babette arrives and demands more significant payment to let Lou spy on Tremblay. Lou resentfully agrees to a higher sum. The madam of the brothel, Hélène Labelle, arrives to escort Tremblay upstairs. Babette, Lou, and Coco follow, going into an adjoining chamber where they can overhear the conversation. Andre and Grue, two brutish thieves hired for security, enter. Lou dislikes them because they’ve infringed on her territory in the East End, often botching her robberies and causing her physical harm.