In the aftermath of the Moon Palace attack, it takes nearly a full day to extinguish the Nightfire and dispose of the demons. The damage reveals how strategically the assault was planned: the attackers entered through the vulnerable southern side, used the greenhouse as kindling, and caused a tower collapse that kills four contestants. Many others are gravely injured, including Mische, who barely survives. At dawn, the wounded submit blood-written pleas to Nyaxia to withdraw from the Kejari, and Raihn and Oraya do the same for Mische because she is too weak to speak.

The next evening, Vincent addresses Sivrinaj from a balcony in a display of royal power. He does not comfort his people; instead, he threatens overwhelming retaliation and openly names the Rishan rebels as responsible for the attack. His speech makes clear that he considers the strike an act of war and intends to answer it with terror, escalating the wider political conflict.

Later, Jesmine arrives at Oraya and Raihn’s new room with Nightborn soldiers and announces that Vincent has summoned Raihn. Oraya quickly realizes that Nightborn forces are seizing Rishan and Bloodborn contestants throughout the palace, including Angelika. Raihn insists the Rishan did not commit the attack and refuses to leave Mische, but Jesmine makes clear he will be taken by force if necessary. To stop a violent confrontation, Oraya promises Raihn that she will protect Mische and get him out, and Raihn reluctantly goes.

Before leaving, Raihn receives devastating news: Mische’s request to withdraw from the Kejari has been rejected. Because the Halfmoon trial is imminent and Mische is in no condition to fight, the rejection effectively condemns her to death. Jesmine also gives Oraya a note from Vincent ordering her to meet him before dawn. After Jesmine leaves, Oraya reflects that she is certain Raihn is innocent, chiefly because his horror over Mische’s condition was too genuine to be false.

Oraya stays beside Mische instead of resting. As she cleans Mische’s infected burns, she notices older burn scars layered across Mische’s arms, suggesting a painful history beyond the attack. When Mische briefly wakes, she deliriously cries that someone did not answer her and believes she has been abandoned, though she still trusts that Raihn always returns. Hearing Mische’s distress, Oraya gives her the last of her own precious medicine, even though Oraya still needs it for herself before the Halfmoon trial. The choice keeps Mische alive and sedates her, showing Oraya’s growing loyalty to both Mische and Raihn despite the danger.