Darrow and Mustang walk the guarded estate, drifting toward a lively breakfast with friends. Roque attempts humor to mixed results, and the Howlers banter until Clown pointedly calls out Darrow’s recent reckless choices. The group welcomes Darrow warmly, though Roque’s embrace is perfunctory, hinting at unresolved strain.

The day passes in rare idleness until Mustang nudges Darrow to speak with Roque. Darrow finds Roque watching deer and opens with reflections on peace and purpose. Roque counters that he fights for peace, while Darrow admits he must earn what others were born into, aligning their ideals but not their trust.

Darrow apologizes for taking Roque for granted. Roque replies that he was a true friend who accepted Darrow’s light and dark, but Darrow used him “like a man uses a horse.” He declares he is better than Darrow and questions whether Darrow would trade his life for fallen friends, exposing Darrow’s conflicted priorities. Roque hints at his ill fit for House Mars just as Sevro arrives urgently.

Roque leaves with a bittersweet promise to talk again—“Friendships take minutes to make, moments to break, years to repair.” Sevro then delivers the crisis: Ares reports the Jackal has captured Darrow’s allies—the Red, the Pink, and the Violet—ending the respite and compelling immediate action.