As the final match begins in the ballroom at midnight, Knox appears and ignites Genevieve’s ring. Earlier in the day, Rowin had kept Genevieve company with gentle, nostalgic activities—cards at lunch, a last walk through the maze and snow, and joking about family portraits—during which Genevieve noted she had never really studied Rowin’s portrait and had once said Umbra outshone him.

Now facing Knox and Grave, Genevieve and Rowin brace for a deadly showdown. Knox first congratulates Genevieve on being voted the Favored and instructs her to picture her prize so it appears on her person. She does so, and something heavy materializes in her dress pocket, confirming she has claimed the prize.

Knox explains that the usual final duel rules are being amended because no family member has managed to kill Genevieve. He raises the stakes: if Genevieve dies within an hour, he will release Rowin and all his siblings from their contracts, effective immediately. Genevieve warns Knox that Salem would retaliate if she dies, but Knox counters that he will keep her soul and threaten eternal torture to deter Salem.

Knox further tilts the field by stating the Hunting Blade will deliver Genevieve’s soul, lifting the enchantment tying Rowin’s life to Genevieve’s and restoring both of their magic, since Genevieve has proved elusive. Grave turns, not toward Genevieve, but toward Rowin, asking if Rowin wants the honor of killing her or if Grave should do it. Knox mocks the idea of sparing Rowin the duty of killing his own wife.

Genevieve backs away, refusing, as the tension escalates. Rowin, who had maintained a mask of apathy, finally turns to her with a vulpine grin. He tells Genevieve that he is deeply sorry for what he is about to do, signaling his intent to act against her under Knox’s new terms.