Uneasy about his new task, Gregor shows up to his next session, only to find Ripred has turned up missing. Over the next few days, Gregor is invited to Hazard's 7th birthday party, where he takes pictures of the event and teaches children songs from the Overland. During a dance with Luxa, Gregor begins to realize his feelings for her, before they are interrupted by a golden crown falling between them. Luxa realizes her friends, the Nibblers, are in danger, and sets off with Gregor, their bonds, Howard, Nike, Boots, Hazard, and a young bat named Thalia.