From a Citadel balcony, Lyria watches ripWings depart to intercept the stolen shuttle. Holiday, held back from the mission, coldly recounts Ephraim’s service to the Sons, the Endymion trap where his men were skinned alive, and how a pardoned Gold walked free. Holiday admits she took the Obsidian because she knew where to hurt, concluding Ephraim wants to die but cannot.

They join Virginia, Theodora, and Daxo tracking the squadron. Daxo urges secrecy until the Syndicate’s backers are found, while Theodora argues for transparency amid Senate scrutiny and the looming peace vote. Virginia fears political exploitation of Pax’s abduction, asserts the Ash Lord hired the Syndicate to fracture the Republic, and insists the Senate must wait until Pax returns.

Virginia confronts Lyria: she condemns Lyria’s mistake yet credits her courage, then kneels to ask forgiveness for the Republic’s failures. Moved, Lyria forgives her. Virginia recruits Lyria to testify before the Senate; Lyria agrees on the condition that Liam is cared for and his eyesight restored. After a handshake agreement, Virginia denies Lyria a visit with Kavax. Holiday refuses further access to Liam but promises to bring him chocolate cake in Lyria’s name.

Alone, Lyria showers and resolves to help Virginia even as the Red Hand’s impunity gnaws at her. A Brown posing as a maid enters, injects Lyria with a sedative, and whispers, “House Barca sends their regards.” Lyria collapses, signaling a new threat within the Citadel’s walls.