A new term means a new intake, and for the first time the doors of Trinity are thrown open to less privileged students, including Charlotte Arc, whose professor father is found dead shortly before term begins.

After Ross's apparent suicide, Charlotte is determined to uncover the truth behind his death. Meanwhile, Maltravers continues searching for the missing hourglass pendant, and vents his anger on Dorian, leading to a power struggle within the Dandelion Club.