Darrow flees through darkened streets with a razor lodged in his chest and his slingBlade shattered, pursued by Lysander’s riders as the city devolves into slaughter. Lysander’s Golds sweep the roofs while freed prisoners and mobs butcher survivors. Darrow reaches the Mound amid chaos, fearing Atalantia’s arriving fleet and the collapse of all escape routes.

At the steps, Thraxa—gravely wounded—asks if Darrow killed Lysander; he has not. Inside, Harnassus organizes the remnants. Screwface is carried in, maimed and in shock, reporting a Fulminata cavalry charge that shattered his line. Thraxa insists on choosing death over torture, but Darrow rallies the able-bodied for a last defense even as Harnassus warns there is nothing left to do.

A wounded Red sniper suggests tunnels, but Darrow says they’re collapsed. Climbing the tower, Darrow and Harnassus watch the enemy gather. Harnassus breaks, confessing Glirastes embedded a back door in the EMP, enabling Lysander’s resurgence. They speak of gifts, envy, and purpose; Harnassus admits he opposed Darrow’s lone-wolf path and asks why Darrow persists. Darrow answers with a simple vision of family, not glory.

As friction trails blaze—likely Atalantia or Ajax—Harnassus resolves to avoid capture and urges Darrow to be with the men at the end. Darrow thanks him for being his conscience and prepares for the worst, reflecting on impermanence and home as he pours Lykos soil into his hands. A gust of air interrupts: Cassius appears, saying, “Hello, goodman. Kavax said you might need a hand,” reigniting a sliver of hope.