the start of the book, we are introduced to Luna, who feels uneasy in the underground laboratory where Pierre conducts dubious operations involving stolen gold. Through a tense conversation filled with suspicion and threats, we see the power dynamics between Luna and Pierre unfold, as Luna demands fair compensation for the work he and the other miners are doing. The chilling atmosphere is enhanced by Pierre's sinister demeanor and the ominous setting of The Blue Goose, which serves not only as a gambling joint but also a hub for illicit activities. The relationships between the characters, especially the prospect of Élise's marriage to a less-than-desirable suitor, hint at larger societal issues and individual struggles that will unfold throughout the novel. (This is an automatically generated summary.)