Darrow is violently awakened by masked Crows, beaten, hooded, and dragged from his quarters. Disoriented by deprivation and sound distortion, he is flown to an unknown location, realizing the physical humiliation is deliberate conditioning to strip entitlement and isolate him.

In a bare stone room, Darrow finds Julian already present. The Crows strip Darrow and leave. Proctor Fitchner enters, announces the Passage, and tosses a ring bearing House Mars’s wolf and the Institute shield, stating only one student will leave alive. He departs, leaving Darrow and Julian to understand the test.

Julian protests and pleads, insisting he cannot return home without success and invoking his powerful family. Darrow insists the rules mean death for one of them. Choosing his cause over compassion, Darrow resolves to survive for Eo and his mission, despite not wanting to harm Julian.

The fight begins awkwardly; Julian’s tentative, formal strikes spark Darrow’s rage after a hit to the nose. Darrow’s superior strength and ferocity overwhelm Julian: he breaks Julian’s nose, headbutts him repeatedly, and lands a devastating punch that shatters Julian’s sternum.

Julian collapses and dies in Darrow’s arms. Darrow cradles Julian’s head and whispers Eo’s name, having ensured he can claim the ring—but at the cost of taking a life and bearing the guilt that accompanies his survival.