As nivalnight approaches over Plutus, Darrow is escorted by Gaia’s Dustwalkers to a meeting with Gaia and Diomedes. He anxiously watches the Lightbringer, fearing for Cassius, and asks if there is word from Lysander or Cassius; none has arrived. They discuss Diomedes’s summit at the House of Bounty, where Darrow hopes to cement peace.

Gaia refuses to support a triumvirate, revealing she knew of Atlas’s crimes and intends to preserve the hierarchy by suppressing the truth. She brands the Daughters terrorists, predicts Lune will destroy them, and declares she will destroy Darrow. Citing a technicality of guest rights, she orders Diomedes to kill Darrow to keep Atlas’s secret buried.

Diomedes dismisses the guards, wraps Pyrphoros around his own neck, and gives Gaia the handle, daring her to enforce the old order. He vows to protect the Daughters, reject Atlas’s lie, dismantle the Krypteia, reform the laws, and pursue a new order after becoming Hegemon. He condemns Gold’s failure and refuses to appease Atalantia.

Gaia cycles from shock to grief and cannot kill her grandson. Diomedes comforts her and demands her active support, arguing her duty is to use her voice. Moved, Gaia agrees to help, conceding, “I am the dusk now. You are the dawn.” As nivalnight falls, Darrow, Diomedes, and Gaia leave for the summit, trusting Lysander and Cassius will meet them.