The night soldiers march the thirty-one whole prisoners up to a gleaming gas-lit corridor smelling of chlorine and out into a sunken, circular stadium blazing with blue-white jets under a night sky. VIP whole folk, led by a pale, jeweled woman (Petra), lounge in a box as Aaron orders runs on the track. Hamey falters, and Charlie notes the number of night soldiers while keeping his cover. After a drink from the sour “power” cups, the drills begin.

They toss weighted balls, run again, and Ammit shoulder-checks Charlie, sending Jaya down, to the VIPs’ amusement. At the rings, Charlie shows off, is whipped by Aaron, and warned against “tricks.” The group then rams burlap-wrapped tackling posts; Ammit knocks his plate free and earns a promised cake, reinforcing the spectacle for the watching elites.

Stick-fighting follows. Eris, prodded by Kellin’s threats, takes Hamey down, while others spar lightly. Aaron then pairs Charlie with Ammit. Ammit attacks to injure, but Charlie parries, disarms him, and beats him into retreat until Kellin halts the bout with a draining touch. VIP chatter stops; then “playtime” ends and the prisoners are ordered to drink again.

In a spotless team room, the prisoners wash. Ammit approaches but, stopped by Eye and mindful of watchers, kneels and apologizes. Urged by Eye, Charlie washes his hair; beneath the grime it shines gold, and prisoners drop to their knees, believing he’s royal. Eris quickly smears soot to hide it, and they are driven back to Deep Maleen.

Back in the cells, Pursey delivers Ammit’s cake to Charlie and kneels. Charlie dreams of Radar protected by monarchs. Woken by Hamey’s cramps, he helps him and learns of his chronic illness, Elden’s preference for thirty-two whole contestants, and the threat of Red Molly. When Charlie asks if Elden is also “Gogmagog” and speaks the name, the gas-jets erupt and the prison shudders. Hamey, terrified, warns him never to say it lest it wake what sleeps in the Dark Well.