Ephraim and Volga arrive at an abandoned highrise to deliver their captives. After confirming partial payment, Ephraim hides Lyria in the car and brings the two sedated children to Gorgo, who disarms them and escorts them to the Duke’s floor, where Syndicate thorns and a waiting yacht set the stage.

The Duke inspects the captives, cruelly slapping Pax until the boy weeps, then orders both children placed aboard his yacht for the Queen’s purposes. Volga barely restrains herself as Ephraim maintains a professional front and requests the remainder of their payment, which is transferred.

A sudden noise reveals Lyria trying to flee down a stairwell. The Duke’s Obsidians give chase but report she escaped through a ventilation shaft. The Duke posts a bounty through the local baron and forces Ephraim and Volga into submission while he evaluates the breach.

Accusing Ephraim of breaking the rules, the Duke has Gorgo produce Cyra, beaten and exposed as an informant who sold Ephraim out. Declaring the contract honored, the Duke leaves Cyra’s fate to Ephraim. Ephraim says to let her go; Gorgo obeys by throwing Cyra off the highrise, killing her, while Volga is spared as a “loyal” companion.

With business concluded, the Duke offers Ephraim future employment and hands over a contact card that Gorgo pointedly tears in half. Ephraim and Volga leave with their lives and payment, the children secured on the yacht, Lyria hunted, and a new, bitter debt weighing on Ephraim.