On the night before the mission, Ruhn finds Cormac drinking alone in an Old Square dive bar and presses him about what is wrong. Cormac admits that he is jealous of Ruhn’s friends and of the kindness Ruhn has kept despite his father’s abuse. He also confesses that his own father damaged him deeply, apologizes for who he has been, and says Bryce might have helped heal him if he had married her.

Because the coming operation may be deadly, Ruhn chooses to set aside their rivalry. Ruhn tells Cormac that when this is over, he wants them to start over as princes and future kings who define themselves rather than letting their fathers do it for them. Cormac accepts, and the two cousins seal the moment with a handshake, creating a new sense of trust before the palace assault.

Elsewhere, Hunt slips back into the barracks alone before dawn after leaving Bryce asleep. Wanting to avoid attention, he loads a duffel with the extra knives and guns from his room instead of checking weapons out through official channels. When he sees the Umbra Mortis helmet on his desk, Hunt puts it on, embracing the identity he will need for the dangerous mission ahead.

As Hunt leaves, Celestina is waiting by the elevators, forcing a tense conversation. She comments on his early-morning movements and speaks about Ephraim, making clear that she is still bound to the Asteri’s breeding plans. Hunt is revolted by what the Asteri are doing to her, while Celestina questions him about his future with Bryce and whether he will remain in his new princely role.

Hunt gives partial truths, claiming he is clearing out his room and struggling with royal obligations, while carefully avoiding revealing the real plan. Celestina suggests that Hunt and Bryce are not the sort to accept their circumstances quietly and offers herself as a possible ally, leaving Hunt unsure whether she suspects more than she says. He departs without looking back, flies over the sleeping city, and reflects that in only a few hours the group will leave for Pangera and reach the Eternal City by morning, where he will wear the Umbra Mortis helmet again and hope that he and Bryce survive.