Dalton lectures the group on the topic of luck, unluck, and the mechanics of curses, filling in for Atlas, who has been increasingly absent. He explains that luck is a matter of probability—a lean toward favorable outcomes—while unluck encompasses hexes, jinxes, and curses that deliberately disrupt probability. He notes that curses often follow bloodlines and require sacrifice from the caster, because any corruption to the natural order demands a fracture in payment.

Reina challenges Dalton's framing, pressing him on why such magic works rather than merely why it's necessary. This leads to a philosophical discussion about whether magic is a sentient force or merely a tool. Dalton compares the relationship between magic and intent to general relativity: magic responds to the distinctions of its user's intentions. Libby and Nico contribute to the debate, ultimately arriving at the central question of whether magic is the tool or the wielder is. Dalton declares that this question is the purpose of the Society's study.

Throughout the lecture, Reina silently observes the group dynamics. She notices that Callum now routinely checks on Tristan—a reversal from before—treating him as a protected asset. Reina mentally calculates the elimination politics: Callum is the obvious target, but Tristan likely won't agree to kill him; Libby is too skittish to choose anyone actively; and Parisa has secured loyalty from Tristan and Libby. Reina briefly entertains the idea of eliminating Tristan as a solution, and Parisa catches the thought telepathically, responding with an ambiguous half-smile.

Atlas arrives unexpectedly, and Libby raises the question the others have been avoiding: what are the details of initiation? The room freezes—everyone except Libby already knows that elimination means killing one of them. Atlas offers only a brief confirmation that the group must select a member for elimination by month's end, refusing to elaborate further on methodology. Libby, visibly dissatisfied, accepts the non-answer.

Reina realizes that Libby is the only one still in the dark about the true nature of the elimination. Since the other five know and have not left, Reina concludes that all of them are willing to kill to stay. She feels a surge of intention, recognizing that five lethal arrows are now aimed and ready.