Darrow approaches Venus, noting fewer visible enemy ships than expected and identifying forces linked to Houses Carthii and Cerana. On the bridge he tests Rhonna and Alexandar on fleet intel, chastising Rhonna for gaps and Alexandar for baiting her. Darrow warns Alexandar to avoid Apollonius, privately lying that he would avenge Alexandar over the mission, a fact Rhonna silently discerns.

Using the final access code, the team passes planetary security and lands on Tharsus’s island. The Howlers assemble in matte-black Society armor, presenting as returning Gold commandos. Darrow tasks Tongueless to watch Apollonius inside the darkzone. At the ramp, Centurion Vorkian and garrison troops recognize Apollonius and kneel; Apollonius orders loyalists to confine and immolate the Ash Lord’s “toads,” framing the coming action as a family matter.

With the estate largely cleared, the team advances into a poolside bacchanal where Tharsus entertains sycophantic Golds and Pinks. When Tharsus realizes who has arrived, Darrow orders the strike: the Howlers gun down the Gold guests while Sevro stuns Tharsus in the water. Apollonius ignores Darrow’s instruction to hold, personally tackles and kills a fleeing Gold, underscoring his volatility.

Sevro and Tongueless haul Tharsus from the pool. Apollonius revives his brother with wine and greets him, confirming the capture. The operation secures Tharsus alive, eliminates witnesses, activates house loyalists, and deepens Darrow’s strategic foothold on Venus—at the cost of leaning on Apollonius’s unpredictable ruthlessness.