Darrow meets Dancer in the Sons’ warehouse, and their embrace turns to practical talk: Darrow’s family lives, safer hidden in the mines. Dancer jokes about Sevro’s swearing and explains Harmony’s break—she murdered Senators on the Gorgon Sea, provoking a lurcher raid that Ares repelled. Mickey arrives shattered, weeping thanks; Darrow reassures him as a friend despite Mickey’s guilt.

Fitchner enters, and Darrow asks for honesty with Dancer present. Sevro joins, and Fitchner openly confirms he is Ares, explaining he concealed it to protect the mission. He recounts his past on Triton, his Red wife Bryn, their Carver-enabled child, and the system’s execution of Bryn; Sevro reveals he is half Red. Fitchner stresses that Red must lead, not Gold.

They confront the political path ahead: Nero Augustus will adopt Darrow and use him as Praetor against the Sovereign. The Sons’ design extends further—after victory, Sevro will assassinate Augustus and frame a rival so Darrow can win succession. Fitchner promises daily coordination and embeds trusted agents to protect and inform Darrow.

Darrow agrees to transparency but asserts a personal need: to return to Lykos before the next phase, to remember his cause and seek blessing. He insists on taking Mustang, arguing trust must be proven if Gold is to change. Fitchner protests the risk; Darrow holds firm. Sevro ends the debate with a contingency—if Mustang betrays Darrow, Sevro will kill her.