As guests from the ball gather in the training yard for an unplanned spectacle, Paedyn hurries out of her room to join the other contestants. Lenny confirms that nothing about these Trials has been normal and presses her again for information about the tunnel, but Paedyn has learned nothing new. In the ring, Tealah announces that the contestants will be randomly paired to fight so the audience can judge them before voting.

The first matches set the tone of the event. Kai, still not fully sober, fights Braxton and wins through experience and endurance. Then Andy faces Ace; when Ace creates illusions of himself, Andy shifts into wolf form, tracks the real Ace by scent, and quickly overpowers him.

Paedyn is then called to fight Blair, a pairing that immediately terrifies her because Blair's power gives her a clear advantage. Before Paedyn enters the ring, Kai pulls her close and urgently advises her to stay moving, use her physical strength, and distract Blair. Paedyn notices the king's smug expression and suspects the match may have been arranged, while Kitt offers a quiet, encouraging nod from the crowd.

Once the fight begins, Blair uses telekinesis to hurl knives, axes, rocks, and other objects from around the ring, forcing Paedyn into constant defense. A blade cuts Paedyn's cheek, Blair mocks her supposed Psychic gift, and Paedyn realizes Blair is drawing out the match to humiliate her. When Blair lifts Paedyn into the air and drops her hard onto the ground, Paedyn remembers Kai's advice and decides she cannot win by playing Blair's game.

Paedyn throws a knife and a rock toward Blair's face, knowing Blair will stop them. While Blair's attention is fixed on halting the projectiles, Paedyn closes the distance, tackles her, and lands hard punches to Blair's jaw and nose. Although Blair recovers and violently throws Paedyn away to secure the victory, she leaves the ring furious and bloodied, unwilling to be seen injured by a Slummer. Paedyn lies in the dirt laughing, satisfied that even in defeat she has proved herself dangerous and stripped Blair of her pride.