Darrow arrives at Silene Manor, the Sovereign’s Luna retreat, where Cedric cu Platuu greets him and Sevro. They learn the children have returned from an expedition and that Victra is delayed by labor strikes. Darrow seeks Pax and finds a pack training match between Pax and Sevro’s daughter, Electra; Sevro goads Darrow into a playful bet.

In the duel, Pax initially leads by exploiting Electra’s overextensions, but Electra rallies, disarms him, and nearly strikes hard before Thraxa intervenes. Sevro’s exuberant reunion with Electra contrasts with Pax’s formal, distant greeting to Darrow, underscoring the strain caused by Darrow’s absences. After practice, Niobe and Thraxa counsel that Pax’s attitude stems from missing his father.

Darrow visits his mother, Deanna, in the garden with Red workers and Dancer. Deanna scolds Darrow for risking himself in the Iron Rain and pushes for Pax to visit Mars; Darrow promises time together but admits looming business with the Senate for more troops. Dancer declines pomp and asks for a private talk.

On a lakeside path, Dancer shares his trauma from the tunnel wars and challenges Darrow’s Senate defiance, warning that hero worship cannot excuse breaking laws. He cites the heavy Mercury death toll and vows to oppose further overreach while affirming their friendship. Parting, Dancer probes for secrets; Darrow denies any. After Dancer departs, Sevro wonders if Dancer knows about emissaries; Darrow says he cannot, and both lament the distance from their old comrade.