Virginia convenes leaders and citizens in Lykos, the birthplace of Darrow, to face an approaching enemy. Deanna, Darrow’s mother, recounts the family members hanged on the township gallows, invoking Eo and Darrow to bind the gathered Colors in shared memory and purpose. She declares the people swords and wrath, then orders Lambda Reds to smash the gallows as the crowd pounds the Fading Dirge.

Deanna anoints Virginia, Victra, and the commanders by wiping red Martian mud over their Gold sigils, erasing hierarchy in favor of unity. The ritual spreads resolve through the assembled thousands, while drones broadcast her voice across Mars. Virginia and the commanders ascend toward the surface as the Dirge’s rhythm fades.

Outside, a vast sea of civilians surrounds Lykos, and at its core stands Pegasus Legion—scarred, disciplined, and now under Thraxa’s immediate stewardship. Victra addresses the legion, demanding patience until their release can turn the tide, invoking pride in Darrow and Sevro to hold them steady for the coming fight.

Virginia warns Victra to keep her head, valuing Victra’s survival over any single kill, even that of Apollonius. Victra, carrying a mother’s grief and fury, vows wrath on those who come for their children and accepts the burden of command.

With Mars rallied, symbols of oppression destroyed, and roles set, Victra ascends to her flagship with Thraxa and Pegasus Legion. Virginia follows with Kavax and Holiday to her own flagship, preparing to confront the enemy fleet gathering over Mars.