Rhone and Pytha escort Lysander to a lone feast on Mercury’s dunes. Despite their concern for his safety—especially with Ajax at large—Lysander dismisses them, leaving instructions and his will. He reflects on Kalindora’s revelations and the shattered state of the war, deciding there are no rules, only a measured balance of honor and cruelty he can wield.

Apollonius arrives in Martian armor, delighted by the spectacle and needling Lysander about past torments and alliances. He claims he skipped the assault on Earth after the Ash Rain, calling the battle dull and speculating the only interesting part would have been a commando strike led by Romulus’s son. His appetites lie with worthier prey.

Lysander unveils his centerpiece: heavy haulers re-erect the colossal statues of Sovereigns, restoring the desert circle. He frames them as custodians whose corruption bred aristocracy’s decay and invited a predator like Darrow. Apollonius names Darrow his ultimate quarry. Lysander vows to build something stronger and fairer, noting that fairness alone does not birth fairness; Apollonius rejects morality, except his own word.

Lysander proposes terms: he will shoulder rule while Apollonius need only lend his blade and mind, exempt from fealty, and be given the Mind’s Eye and targets—Atalantia, Ajax, Atlas, then Darrow. Promising a death unburdened by rule, Lysander wins him. They clasp hands—“to the trembling of the worlds.” The restored statues all point toward Mars, signaling their next objective.