The ceiling parts and light floods in as Darrow’s cell rises, revealing he was entombed within a hollow marble dining table in the Jackal’s hall. Overwhelmed by sound and brightness, Darrow realizes the distant clatter he heard were nightly meals above him. The Jackal introduces him to assembled Golds while a cold autumn breeze stirs memories and despair.

Antonia and Aja appraise him as the Jackal boasts that he has “unmade the Reaper.” Darrow sees the winter vista of Attica and then recognizes Cassius, who regards him with sad restraint. The Jackal states Darrow endured three months of interrogation and nine of solitary; Darrow’s body is skeletal, scarred, and tethered by feeding tubes.

When servants refuse, Cassius strips off his Morning Knight cloak and covers Darrow, prompting tense silence and barbed remarks from Lilath. The Jackal and Aja confirm Darrow will be delivered to Zanzibar the Carver for dissection. They discuss Mickey, whom the Jackal believes still alive in Tinos, and Aja and Cassius press for leads.

The Jackal withholds firm intelligence, hinting his Boneriders want the first hunt at the Howlers. Darrow struggles not to react to the news that some Howlers live and have joined the Sons. Aja announces she will depart by morning with her Thirteenth, leaving other legions under the Jackal’s supervision; the Jackal invites them to dine and discuss policies as “the Rising” is mentioned.

Aja raises the Sovereign’s concerns over the Jackal’s kill squads and liquidation protocols in rebellious mines, fearing backlash despite current public support. The Jackal insists he controls the message and will keep focus on Red attacks against civilians. Cassius asks what happens if evidence leaks.

To answer, the Jackal summons a Pink, Calliope, revealing he cut out her tongue after capturing her. He forces a pistol into her hands, demanding she shoot him, until she collapses in terror. He soothes her and declares that for rebels, only fear and extermination will suffice, underscoring his doctrine of rule through terror.