Silas and Clara, apprentices at the Candlemakers' Spire, discover that the traditional ceremonial tapers are completely cold and inert, indicating the resonance drain is affecting even the smallest thermal anchors. Silas consults an old ledger that describes the proper mixture for the wax and names the Ground Mica Sheen as the counter-agent against ground cold. Clara finds a hidden tin containing the Mica Sheen, which bears a symbol matching the stabilization foil used elsewhere. They realize the resonance is actively pulling thermal energy from the candles and must now apply the sheen precisely to hundreds of tapers to restore the Spire's warmth, linking their small-scale thermal fight to the larger crisis affecting the Spruce and the Star Seed.