Virginia faces a curtailed Vox “People’s Tribunal” led by Publius, who recites sweeping charges as robotic cameras circle. Mid-proceeding, the systems fail, screams sound outside, and Wardens rush to respond before abruptly falling silent.

GhostCloaked assailants drop from the ceiling: tall Gold Boneriders in black, bone-studded armor from House Pluto. They decapitate Wardens and reveal themselves as the savage survivors of Virginia’s Institute cohort. Lilath, Queen of the Syndicate, arrives, discards her Red disguise, crowns herself, and asserts dominance. When a Blue senator defies her, Lilath murders the Blue with a hatchet, then collars Publius, who submits and calls her “domina.” The remaining Vox are collared; resisters are killed.

Lilath announces the arrival of her Emperor. A small, cold-eyed boy—an Abomination with a Lunese accent—enters. He taunts the kneeling Vox, serves them plates topped with the brains of the slain Blue, and produces the Sword of Silenius, declaring the natural order restored. His men answer, “Hic sunt leones,” underscoring the return of predatory rule.

Promising wealth and power to those who obey as “Slave Kings,” the Abomination commands the Vox to eat. Publius eats first, and the rest follow in terror. The Abomination identifies himself as the son of Augustus and turns to Virginia with chilling familiarity, greeting her as his sister as the coup cements Syndicate and Bonerider control over the tribunal.