Darrow keeps vigil on the ramparts with Sevro and several others while their army sleeps. Sevro has freed five Mercury students from Apollo’s slave bands, and Darrow notes how his followers now mythologize him as an ancient conqueror. The admiration unsettles Darrow, who privately weighs his coming rebellion against the loyalty of these Gold youths.

Mustang spots an incoming Proctor; it is Fitchner. He meets Darrow in the Apollo warroom, bristling at Mustang’s presence. Fitchner confirms Apollo has remained at Olympus and explains the political stakes: powerful appointments were expected if the Jackal won, and Darrow’s rise threatens those deals. After verbal sparring, Mustang leaves them.

Fitchner presents a small box containing Darrow’s knifeRing, taken from him before the Passage. He urges Darrow to stop antagonizing the Proctors, arguing the Institute is about politics, not merit. Darrow rejects this, furious over their cheating and Fitchner’s prior inaction when Apollo tried to kill him.

Fitchner, speaking of limits, laments that his own son cannot safely climb as high as Darrow. Darrow realizes Fitchner is Sevro’s father. Fitchner pleads that Darrow’s example could get Sevro killed, refuses to openly help for fear of destroying his career, and warns that a trap has been set “by the girl.” Darrow dismisses the warning, insisting his army’s loyalty is unbreakable.

As Fitchner turns to leave, Darrow thanks him and offers a handshake. He then suddenly crushes Fitchner’s handhold, breaks his nose, and elbows him into unconsciousness, seizing control of the situation for his next move.