Darrow and Sevro return to the Howlers, reveal Quicksilver’s allegiance to the Sons of Ares, and formally share command as Howler One and Two. To reject fatalism, they remove their achlys-9 suicide teeth, inspiring the Howlers to do the same. Quicksilver agrees to help and provides access, materiel, and networks.

Darrow and Sevro place a direct call to the Citadel. Facing the Jackal, Darrow claims Quicksilver’s kidnapping and demands the release of political prisoners and acknowledgment of Nero’s murder. The Jackal refuses, threatens Darrow’s allies, and ends the call, confirming the conflict is imminent.

In the Hollows, Darrow stages a broadcast using Quicksilver’s network. Before vast crowds and ten billion screens, he plays Eo’s execution, reveals his sigil-less hands, and calls lowColors to disciplined revolt under the Sons of Ares, forbidding atrocities. The city falls silent, then answers with a rising, rhythmic roar.

Darrow orders Ragnar to “bring it down.” Rollo’s access cards cut power to Phobos’s military spire, a daring feat chosen over demolition to create heroes, not ruins. The blackout sets the stage for a visible, systemwide act of defiance.

Ragnar leads thousands of Sons on maintenance skiffs to assault the spire, breaching under fire and cutting down defenders, even Gold knights. As the Hollows surge, Sevro commands and organizes the uprising by sectors, warning against rape and murder. The moon tilts toward rebellion. Darrow, however, will depart to pursue the wider war.