In the rain over Hyperion, Darrow meets Quicksilver, who confirms the Senate has turned against Darrow: the Obsidians have abstained, an armistice vote is imminent, and an arrest warrant is coming. Quicksilver urges decisive force, but Darrow refuses to crush the Vox. Instead, he asks for the warship Nessus and for it to appear stolen; Quicksilver agrees. Darrow notes Thraxa is already waiting in the dock.

Darrow convenes the Howlers at the Den. He outlines the Ash Lord’s ploy: exploit the Republic’s division with a cease-fire while consolidating at Venus. Declared a liability and stripped of command, he warns a warrant is likely. Suspicion of a leak simmers. Victra presses for storming the Senate, while Holiday and others caution that using the Seventh would spark civil war.

Darrow decides: no dissolution of the Senate, no mobilization of the Seventh, and no surrender. He will leave Luna that night rather than be a political pawn. Holiday refuses to join, pledging to the Republic and Virginia, and departs. Colloway and Warlock Squadron, Min-Min, Alexandar, Rhonna, Clown, Pebble, and many others volunteer to follow Darrow.

Sefi then declines, prioritizing her people over the Core’s wars. She withdraws the Obsidians, leaving the Howlers without their Valkyrie. Darrow accepts the choice, feeling the finality of Ragnar’s absence as Sefi exits with her warriors.

With his force reduced but committed, Darrow reveals the mission: fly to Venus and decapitate the Ash Lord. Sevro exults and rouses the room in a howl, while Victra watches uneasily. The chapter closes with Darrow feeling the weight of age and doubt even as he advances toward a perilous, extralegal strike.