The Senate erupts after Dancer reveals Darrow hid the Ash Lord’s emissaries, Julia au Bellona and Asmodeus. Sefi remains impassive as Mustang confronts Darrow, who insists the overture was a ruse. Dancer presses the point—somehow knowing Asmodeus boarded Mustang’s ship—while a Red senator spits at Darrow, and the chamber’s mood turns hostile.

Amid the spectacle and cameras, Darrow realizes argument is futile. Sevro bristles, cursing Dancer, while Wulfgar watches with pity. Dancer delivers a thunderous speech warning against warlords and insisting the Republic must be ruled by its voice, not the sword, winning loud approval. Julia smiles, savoring Darrow’s fall.

Publius cu Caraval rises to condemn Darrow’s overreach despite rejecting full pacifism. He moves to remove Darrow from high command, place him under house arrest pending trial, and enact a temporary cessation of hostilities. Mustang restores order with her scepter but lacks the Copper votes to shield Darrow. Republic Wardens escort non-senators out.

Outside, Wulfgar tells Darrow not to leave the city. Sevro threatens violence on Darrow’s behalf, but Darrow predicts the Senate will sideline him long enough for the Ash Lord to strike. Sevro suggests rallying allies, yet Darrow rejects parliamentary maneuvering, believing the war will end only in blood.

Accepting that politics has turned against him and that Mustang cannot intercede without risking herself, Darrow chooses action. He orders Sevro to summon the Howlers, signaling his intent to continue the fight despite the Senate’s move toward ceasefire and his impending detention.