Darrow finds Sevro mourning in a washroom and tries to speak of Quinn. Sevro dismisses platitudes and demands trust, pressing Darrow to name who sent him. After Darrow activates a jamField, he finally answers: Ares. Sevro produces a whisperGem.

The recording shows Ares acknowledging Harmony’s betrayal and instructing Darrow to keep fracturing the Society by setting Augustus against Bellona. Dancer appears, confirming support and that Darrow’s family lives. Overwhelmed, Darrow embraces Sevro, relieved that someone close knows the truth and stands with him.

They discuss next steps and loyalties: Sevro is committed to the cause, citing how LowColors treated him better than Golds. He predicts some Howlers may accept the truth while others, like Thistle and Roque, will not. The two cement their alliance.

Victra finds Darrow to relay Augustus’s gift of the Ash Lord’s stateroom and then candidly flirts. She reveals vulnerability beneath her schemes; Darrow gently refuses, calling her “sister.” They reintroduce themselves without armor, sharing small personal truths and reframing their relationship as friendship.

Unable to sleep, Darrow wanders the captured dreadnought’s lower decks, noting the ship’s multicolor workforce and potential systemic vulnerabilities. He ends in the mess hall, where he finds Mustang awake, setting up the next confrontation.