Lysander awakes from a Medusa’s Lament–induced coma to Pytha, Cicero, and Rhone arguing over his care. The assassin—a Pink acrobat—has confessed, inflaming support for Lysander. Despite ongoing pain, he learns the Rim is preparing to abandon the Mars siege, prompting immediate concern for the alliance.

Diomedes arrives and reports the Beacons of Jupiter burn red: Ilium is under attack by Volsung Fá, who has united Ascomanni and Volk and destroyed the Ilium Guard. With the Rim compelled to defend its home, Diomedes urges Lysander to come, offering the historic Shield of Akari as a pledge that the Dragon Armada will return to Mars.

Lysander convenes allies at Quicksilver’s former estate. Apollonius derides the diversion; Julia is skeptical but pragmatic. Lysander proposes Bellona and Rath maintain the siege while House Lune and Cicero aid the Rim. He insists on going ahead with a small Praetorian cadre to ensure their contribution is undeniable. Cicero volunteers his flagship; Julia agrees to send Pallas and warns Lysander about his condition.

At embarkation, Rhone pleads against the venture; Lysander overrules him. Dido and Diomedes reveal Helios has seized imperium of the Rim fleets. Helios challenges Lysander’s utility against Ascomanni, then permits him aboard the Dustmaker with only ten Praetorians, testing mutual trust and placing Diomedes’s cloak at risk if Lysander misbehaves.

Rhone selects nine of his best to join him; Kyber is reported wounded by a sniper amid rising tensions but expected to follow later. Dido quietly supplies an aid for the poison. With terms set and their limited escort chosen, Lysander commits to sail with Helios toward Ilium to prove the alliance and secure Rim support for the war on Mars.