Wren stumbled into the hallway covered in Bryce Granger’s blood, confessing to Kaine Sutler that she had killed Bryce during their knife duel when a stab accidentally severed an artery. Kaine comforted Wren as she broke down, repeating that she had acted in self-defense. Bryce’s father appeared, wordlessly nodded approval, and walked past, unsettling Wren further.

Captain Cross Redden arrived, dismissed Kaine, and told Wren she had no choice because Bryce would not have tapped out. Wren cursed him and asked to be dismissed; Cross ordered her to Medical, and Tyler Struck escorted her despite Wren’s resistance. Outside Medical, Tyler confirmed that Bryce was a “staple” who would not have tapped and that no one else died; Wren bitterly called herself a murderer. A nurse treated Wren’s arm and neck with regen ointment.

Back at the barracks, Wren showered off the blood against medical advice and wrestled with guilt and responsibility for not quitting the fight. She opened a telepathic connection to Adrienne and reported, “I’m in Silver Elite,” receiving only a curt acknowledgement. A message directed her to pack and report to new housing.

In the bunks, Kaine met Wren, offered support, and shared the final Elite selections: Kess, Anson, Jones, Wren, Kaine, and a woman from Red Cell. They rode to new quarters, and Wren was assigned a private suite stocked with uniforms and civilian clothes marking her new rank as a soldier rather than a recruit.

Cross came to Wren’s quarters. After brief words, they initiated sex; Cross performed oral sex to distract Wren from her trauma, then they had intercourse in her bedroom. During the aftermath, Wren questioned Cross’s inclusion of Anson, and Cross stated each member was chosen for specific strengths, including the ability to kill without remorse. Wren made clear she trusted him only physically and insisted on secrecy because he was her commanding officer, which Cross accepted—for now.

As Cross left, Ivy appeared in the hallway and saw him exiting Wren’s room. Cross’s expression shuttered and he left without comment. Ivy silently entered the room opposite Wren’s, revealing that their quarters were directly across from each other and setting up immediate, awkward proximity after witnessing the encounter.