Cressida’s advance leaves the city in collapse. The army retreats, the Blood Guard abandon their posts, the aristocracy flee, and the Good Commander cannot be found. Ordinary people remain behind locked doors, watching Rune and the witches pass in fear.

Because the palace has already been deserted, the witches seize it without resistance. In the throne room, Rune stands near the back with Seraphine and Juniper as Cressida walks to the dais in black lace and a rose crown, visibly moved by the sight of the empty thrones.

Cressida claims her seat and announces how she will secure her rule. Anyone who swears fealty will be pardoned, but Blood Guard members, Republic officials, and anyone who refuses loyalty will be annihilated. Cressida then declares that executions will begin at dawn, making clear that mercy will exist only for the obedient.

The room erupts into praise for Queen Cressida, and the witches kneel one by one. Juniper kneels, then Seraphine, leaving Rune standing alone. Rune realizes that her deception of Soren helped make this victory possible, but when Cressida fixes her with a threatening stare, Rune is overwhelmed by memories of Cressida’s past torture and by older terror from the night the Blood Guard came for Nan. Trapped by fear and guilt, Rune finally kneels and joins the chant.