On Wallach IX, young Valya Harkonnen promises Mother Superior Raquella that she'll protect the Sisterhood by putting one of their own on the Imperial Throne. Thirty years later, Valya faces a threat to her long-awaited plan.

After receiving word about events on Salusa Secundus, Valya brings Theodosia to the Imperial House to help manage the situation. Meanwhile, Desmond makes a confession to Emperor Corrino, Tula reluctantly enlists Lila for a vital mission, and distrust swirls around Keiran Atreides, the sword master for House Corrino.

Following a tragedy, young Tula worries about being accepted despite her family name, while a skeptical Valya struggles with the decision to take the Sisterhood vow. Years later, Valya receives a message that confirms her suspicions, and Tula mourns a loss.

After nearly all the acolytes have the same nightmare, Tula attempts to understand the origins of their disturbing dreams. Meanwhile, on the eve of the great Landsraad meeting, Valya sets her plan in motion to redeem House Harkonnen, Ynez confronts her father about rumors surrounding Desmond, and Kieran conspires to advance a rebel attack that the Sisterhood must try to thwart.