Philip is Valerie's former lover, a man she sacrificed to secure her position. His name and face surfaced in Valerie's memories when she was contemplating her situation. Philip is described as someone who resembled Alec, and Valerie became entangled in unexpected events after encountering him that led her to Dranberg. Valerie refers to him as the reason she cannot back down, indicating that her sacrifice of him was significant and has consequences she must now deal with.
