Paedyn sprints through the palace in disarray and confronts Kitt in the courtyard. She tells him she has discovered that Calum served as King Edric’s Mind Reader, that the Resistance was a sham orchestrated for the crown, and that Calum is her father by Queen Iris. Paedyn explains that Edric hid Iris, forged records of her death, and covered up Paedyn’s existence by claiming Iris died giving birth to Kitt, while Calum placed Paedyn with Adam Gray.

Kitt reels, realizing that this makes him and Paedyn half siblings. Paedyn then warns that Calum is a Dual (Controller and Mind Reader) who has been manipulating Kitt, including pushing him to marry Paedyn. As they speak, Calum appears holding Paedyn’s dagger and tries to gaslight the situation, but Kitt confronts him.

Kitt resists Calum’s mental interference, draws his ceremonial sword, and orders Calum out of his mind before stabbing him in the chest. Calum collapses and bleeds out on the steps. Paedyn retrieves her dagger from Calum’s hand, mentally promising to haunt him for his crimes, including Adam Gray’s death and the slaughter of the Resistance.

Kai arrives, notes Kitt’s bloodied sword, and demands an explanation. Paedyn recounts everything: Calum’s service to Edric, the Resistance’s fabrication, Calum’s Dual nature, and Paedyn’s parentage. Kai recognizes Calum from his youth and the Bowl battle, and Kitt confirms he killed Calum as a necessary act because Calum was a dangerous manipulator.

Easel urges the royal couple to depart for Loot to continue the public wedding ceremonies, arguing that the marriage is crucial to maintaining the fragile unity and external relations. Kai objects, pointing out that Kitt and Paedyn are related and should not proceed; he sees it as a path to end the unwanted marriage. Easel insists that any hint of annulment will unravel reforms and trade prospects, and that Paedyn is currently their strongest asset.

Kitt sides with Easel on presenting a united front, while Paedyn, overwhelmed by discovering her royal blood and witnessing Calum’s death, asks for time to think. Easel notes Paedyn has a weak but real claim to the throne as an illegitimate child of Queen Iris. Kitt says they must find the true records, which Paedyn says are sealed. Paedyn resolves to handle crises one at a time and agrees to go to Loot now and figure out the rest after.