Cordelia and Evangeline return to Evermore's estate, where search parties carry lanterns across the lawn. Evangeline orders Cordelia to lure Lord Evermore close so she can stab him. Cordelia tries to warn Richard with his first name, but Evangeline's obedience magic snaps her mouth shut and forces her body to walk toward him with a penknife. Penelope's ghost reaches into Cordelia's mind and urges her to fight, reminding her that, unlike Falada, she has not betrayed those who trusted her.

Summoning her will, Cordelia twists the strike so the blade only grazes Evermore's cheek instead of his throat. Hester arrives, shouting that Evangeline is controlling Cordelia. Evangeline retaliates by hurling agonizing pain magic at Hester, then knocks Evermore down. Stretched too thin maintaining multiple compulsions, Evangeline's grip on Cordelia weakens enough for Cordelia to drop the knife and stab uselessly with empty fingers. Sensing Penelope's presence, Evangeline panics, recognizing the ghost she thought she had killed. Hester rises and clubs Evangeline unconscious with her cane.

Imogene rushes in with embroidery scissors and threatens Falada, forcing the headless horse to retreat. Willard arrives with Alice and recommends repeating the unmaking ritual immediately. Penelope volunteers to serve as the wine, since she is already dead. Cordelia reveals Penelope's ghost to the others and argues that the ritual's circles and holy ground are only powerful because of belief, just as Evangeline's status as a lady was real because people believed it.

Convinced, the group improvises: Alice soaks her shift in the lake for water, Imogene supplies brandy for wine, and bitten lips provide salt. Willard nearly strangles Evangeline to keep her unconscious. As Cordelia chants the alchemical rite, the three notes harmonize into a whirlwind. Evangeline wakes, warning that something is too close and that she won't be able to hold him. She lunges at Cordelia, who embraces her mother and whispers the final line. Penelope's farewell, "Tell everyone goodbye," is the last thing Cordelia hears before consciousness is torn away.