Escorted by Obsidians to opulent new quarters, Darrow endures Fitchner’s jovial push to accept a life of privilege as the Sovereign’s emissary, complete with servants and a Pink. Darrow refuses, disgusted at the price of betraying friends, and reflects on Eo and Mustang while feeling trapped by luxury.

A demure male Pink delivers an onyx box and removes the courtesan. Inside, a holo from Mustang says, "Take cover." The power dies, the door autolocks, and a howl rises over the storm. Lightning reveals Sevro outside, cloaked in wolfshead armor with nine Howlers.

After throwing up a jamField, Sevro shatters the window with a pulseFist. The Howlers land, kneel, and get to work—Pebble and Clown weld the door; Quinn brings gravBoots and news. Darrow’s faith in Mustang snaps into focus; she had prepared this contingency and has gone to fetch a ship.

Sevro declares the Howlers came for Darrow, not Augustus or Mustang, and that they want war and its spoils. He scorns Fitchner’s choices. With Augustus’s forces below—and Roque and Tactus on Darrow’s mind—the group readies to move. Pebble returns Darrow his razor.

Tension spikes as the sealed door begins to glow from cutting on the other side. Sevro’s heavy bag writhes; Mustang delivered them a “package” that is clearly a captive. Darrow balks; Sevro only howls, as the imminent breach forces a desperate, daring escape to unfold.