Shaken from torture, Lyria faces Virginia, who questions why Lyria returned despite danger. Lyria explains she came back to protect her nephew Liam’s identity and pride and to do right by Pax and Electra. Convinced by Lyria’s resolve, Virginia shifts from suspicion to cooperation.

They retrace Lyria’s first encounter with “Philippe” at the museum. Bodycam footage from Officer Stefano reveals a ten‑minute blackout, and city feeds show Philippe’s face masked by Blighter tech. Purchases were made with a ghost debit, including a toy lion. Virginia notes the planning required access to schedules and personnel files.

Lyria recalls an Obsidian “crow” ally and that Philippe spared her unexpectedly. Crucially, she remembers a Pink “boss” with a white cane topped by an octopus figure. Virginia identifies it as the Syndicate’s sigil, likely the Duke of Hands acting for the Queen, concluding, “The Syndicate has my son.” Alarmed, she orders Theodora to contact Darrow, calls an emergency council meeting, and seeks Dancer.

When Lyria mentions stealing Philippe’s gun, Lionguard search the checkpoint and find the weapon hidden in a Watchman’s locker. Forensics show Lyria’s prints and a second set matching Ephraim ti Horn, a claims investigator. A personnel holo confirms he is “Philippe.”

The revelation turns personal when Holiday recognizes Ephraim as her brother‑in‑law. With the Syndicate implicated and the kidnapper identified, Virginia braces for a political showdown and a rescue effort.