In the early morning, Cross arrives at the stockade armed and carrying a jammer, and quietly leads Wren out through the base’s corridors into the smoky night air, the scent of a prior sugar bomb still lingering. He drives her to a secondary vehicle pool near South Plaza, where they transfer to a waiting car driven by Xavier, whom Cross vouches for despite Wren’s distrust.

As Xavier drives them off-base, Wren tells Cross she believes the Uprising corrupted General Merrick Redden’s mind rather than him being a Modified. She suggests confronting Adrienne at the Uprising base for answers, noting such corrupters are rare. Cross absorbs this grim possibility, angry about civilians being harmed.

Mid-journey, they abandon the truck and retrieve two stashed bullet bikes in Ward C, then ride toward Ward K and the Blacklands. At the Blacklands’ edge, with the black mist looming, Wren tries to reassure the men, recalling her years of survival there. Xavier’s preparations prompt Wren to ask if he is coming; he reveals Cross has not told her something.

Cross admits he will not continue on to the Uprising. Wren pleads with him to come, but Cross insists he must stay to counter Travis and Roe’s emerging control and to remain near his mother. He warns Wren that staying would mean her death, explains Travis suspects their relationship due to a report from Sutler, and says the Uprising may still be dangerous, though Xavier promises to protect her.

Wren and Cross share an intimate, tearful goodbye, affirming their love and mental connection, with Cross promising they will see each other again and that Wren can always reach him in her mind. As dawn breaks, Cross urges Wren to go, calls her the strongest person he knows, and asks Xavier to keep her safe.

Cross departs on a motorcycle back toward the wards, leaving Wren devastated but resolute. She turns from the fading silhouette of Cross and, with Xavier, prepares to enter the Blacklands.