A month after Titus’s death, House Mars stabilizes under Darrow. He bans slave abuse, relies on dregs and midDrafts, and stockpiles food and wood, but leaks and distance to the river leave Mars water-poor and unable to endure a siege. Darrow trains intensively with Cassius in straight blade and Kravat to counter razors, guarding his curved-blade advantage and guilt over Julian.

The conflict with House Minerva devolves into skirmishes as Mustang avoids pitched battle and hunts Darrow; Pax is especially relentless. Antonia claims Mustang offered horses, weapons, and slaves for Darrow, but Antonia holds off, waiting for better leverage. Sevro shadows Darrow, befriends wolves, and is given command of the dregs. Under him, six dregs become the Howlers, whose quiet work helps Darrow retain leadership despite lingering resentment.

In council, Sevro derides the game’s design and fortress stalemates. Darrow, wary of the Jackal’s rising power, insists they must change the paradigm via alliance and eliminate Minerva first. When Darrow decides to approach House Diana, he orders Cassius to hold Mars to prevent Antonia’s ascent; tension flares but Cassius stays.

Camping en route, Darrow probes Sevro’s past. He deduces Sevro was drafted as a weak target but killed Priam in the Passage; Sevro bluntly confirms it and notes Darrow killed Julian. They drop the subject and ride into the Greatwoods, where House Diana scouts shadow them.

Captured, disarmed, and blindfolded, Darrow and Sevro are brought before Tamara of Diana, amid interruptions from the insolent Tactus. Tamara argues Mars burns bright then starves. Darrow counters by offering nonaggression, aid to seize bread-rich Ceres, and a joint strike on Minerva. Food and security sway Tamara’s interest, opening the path to alliance.