In the dark quiet of Lykos, Darrow leads Mustang into Lambda Township, heart pounding as he prepares to reveal himself. At his family’s door, he gives Mustang a holoCube and a choice; she watches, then departs. When Sevro pings asking whether to stop her, Darrow weighs control against trust and sends a terse reply, uncertain of the consequences.

Darrow enters his cramped childhood home and is confronted by his mother, aged and stroke-stricken. She recognizes him instantly despite his Gold body, and they embrace as the kettle shrieks. Over tea, he explains he was carved and saved by Uncle Narol. She reveals Narol told her he lived, then vanished; supposedly he and cousin Loran fell down a shaft, though she doubts it.

They trade news: Leanna remarried in Gamma; Kieran has become HeadTalk, widowed once and remarried; Eo’s father killed himself after Darrow’s attempted hanging. Dio is well—married to Kieran and pregnant upstairs. The mine is faltering, stoking fear about what happens when helium runs out. Darrow vows to protect Lykos regardless of the larger war.

Mother challenges the practicality of liberation: where will millions live and work, and who will lead them? Darrow admits he lacks answers but insists his role is to tear down those who shackle others so many minds can rebuild. He wrestles with divided love and identity as a Red among Golds.

When a small niece descends the stairs, Darrow cloaks and withdraws. His mother shields the moment, later telling the child that the dead can hear the living’s joy, reminding Darrow that their songs are for the departed—and for those left behind to keep living.