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The book tells the story of Darrow, a low-born Red who infiltrates the ruling class of Golds to spark a revolution. The story begins with Darrow, the protagonist, in a desperate situation, surrounded by his enemies and haunted by the memories of his fallen loved ones. He is captured by the Jackal, his arch-nemesis, and subjected to physical and emotional torture. However, Darrow's spirit remains unbroken, and he finds strength in his determination to resist his tormentor and fight for the freedom of his people. As the story unfolds, Darrow is rescued by a group of rebels, including Sevro, Victra, and Holiday, and together they embark on a series of missions to overthrow the Society and bring down the Golds. Along the way, Darrow forms alliances with other characters, including Mustang, a Gold who becomes his lover and ally, and Sefi, the leader of the Valkyrie. The story is marked by intense battles, shocking plot twists, and emotional moments of loss and sacrifice. Ultimately, Darrow and his allies succeed in overthrowing the Sovereign and taking control of the Society, paving the way for a new era of freedom and equality. The book concludes with Darrow and Mustang standing together, looking towards a hopeful future, and the possibility of building a better world.
The narrator, Darrow, finds himself in a desperate and bleak situation, surrounded by his enemies and haunted by the memories of his fallen loved ones. His captor, the Jackal, attempts to break his spirit by reminding him of his isolation and the loss of those he holds dear. However, despite the darkness and despair that threatens to consume him, Darrow draws strength from the thought of his remaining allies and the oppressed people of the Colors, fueling a burning rage and determination to resist his tormentor. With a deep understanding of suffering and the darkness, Darrow steels himself for the trials ahead, refusing to surrender and embracing his identity as the Reaper.
The narrator, Darrow, is trapped in a dark, isolated prison, stripped of his dignity and identity. He is forced to confront the depths of his own despair, as the darkness manipulates his thoughts and emotions, preying on his fears and vulnerabilities. Despite the overwhelming sense of hopelessness, Darrow clings to his resolve, refusing to surrender to the darkness. He is haunted by memories of his past and the people he loves, and is taunted by the possibility of escape, but at a terrible cost. As he struggles to maintain his sanity, Darrow is faced with the ultimate question: will he find a way to escape, or will he succumb to the darkness and find solace in death? The chapter ends with a glimmer of hope, as a sudden, external event interrupts Darrow's downward spiral, bringing a burst of light and sound that cracks the darkness, leaving his fate uncertain.
Darrow, imprisoned and tortured by the Jackal, is finally brought out of his dark cell and presented to a gathering of Golds, including Cassius au Bellona and Aja au Grimmus. The Jackal reveals the extent of Darrow's physical and emotional degradation, and the Golds discuss their plans to crush the rebellion and capture the remaining leaders of the Sons of Ares. Cassius shows a rare moment of pity and kindness towards Darrow, but it is clear that his actions are driven by a sense of honor rather than genuine forgiveness. The Jackal, meanwhile, uses the opportunity to demonstrate his ruthless methods and intimidate his guests, including a young Pink girl who has been brutally mutilated and enslaved. As the conversation turns to the rebellion and the Jackal's tactics, it becomes clear that there are divisions within the Gold leadership, and that the Jackal's actions may ultimately prove counterproductive to their goals.
Darrow, still reeling from his captivity and torture, is being held in a processing room by a group of Grays, members of the Praetorian legion known as the Legio XIII Dracones. They are brutal and racist towards Darrow, a lowColor, and subject him to physical and emotional abuse. However, just as it seems like Darrow's situation can't get any worse, a group of Grays, led by a woman named Holiday and her brother Trigg, burst into the room and kill the other Grays. They claim to be there to rescue Darrow, but he is initially skeptical and suspicious of their intentions. Trigg and Holiday try to gain Darrow's trust, and eventually, they contact Sevro, a friend of Darrow's who is thought to be dead. Sevro's appearance via hologram helps to convince Darrow that the Grays are genuinely there to help him. With newfound hope, Darrow agrees to trust them, and they administer a powerful stimulant, known as "snakebite," to help him overcome his physical weaknesses and escape. As the stimulant takes effect, Darrow feels a surge of energy and strength, and he is finally able to begin his journey towards freedom and revenge.
Darrow, still recovering from his captivity and torture, is escorted by Holiday and Trigg, two Grays, through the halls of the mountain citadel's prison. They are on a mission to escape, but Darrow's priorities shift when he learns that his friend Victra is being held in a cell on level 23. Despite the risks, Darrow insists on rescuing Victra, and they divert from their original escape plan. They use Vixus, a Gold who had previously tortured Darrow, to gain access to Victra's cell. However, Victra is paralyzed and traumatized, and she attacks Darrow when she sees him. After subduing her, they carry her out of the cell, leaving Vixus alive as promised. But when Vixus taunts Darrow, revealing that he knows Sevro is still alive, Darrow's rage takes over, and he kills Vixus. As they make their escape, alarm sirens begin to wail, signaling that their actions have been discovered.
Darrow, along with Holiday and Trigg, attempts to escape the Jackal's fortress with the injured Victra. Their plan is compromised when the elevator is overridden, and they are redirected to the first level, where they expect to face a platoon of the Jackal's elite forces. Holiday uses an illegal electromagnetic pulse device to disable the enemy's advanced technology, allowing her and Trigg to use their antique firearms to take out their opponents. As they fight their way through the halls, they make their way to a service door and escape onto a metal walkway, then cross a bridge to an abandoned landing platform. With only a few minutes to spare, they prepare to defend themselves against incoming reinforcements, hoping to be extracted before it's too late. Darrow reflects on his situation, feeling a mix of fear, hate, and desperation, and wonders how he ended up in this position, from being a boy in the mines to a fallen warlord.
Darrow, Holiday, and Victra are attempting to escape from the Jackal's fortress, but their plan is compromised when they are ambushed by the Jackal's Grays. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, they fight back, but Trigg is killed by Aja au Grimmus, a Gold knight. Holiday is severely injured, and Darrow is forced to drag her and Victra to the edge of the landing pad. Cassius au Bellona, Aja's ally, tries to convince Darrow to surrender, but Darrow refuses, knowing that capture would mean certain death. Instead, he jumps off the edge of the landing pad, taking Holiday and Victra with him, just as a group of soldiers and a ripWing are approaching. As they fall, Darrow reveals that he has a plan, and that his people will come to rescue him, not from the sky, but from beneath the planet's surface, using a clawDrill to gnaw through the rock.
Darrow and his companions, Victra and Holiday, are rescued by the Sons of Ares, a group of rebels led by Ares and including Ragnar Volarus, as they fall towards the city. The Sons of Ares, also known as the Howlers, arrive in a dramatic fashion, using a clawDrill to burst out of the planet's surface and then using gravBoots to fly up and catch the falling trio. They then dive back into the tunnel, pursued by their enemies, and make their way through the darkness, dodging pulsefire and debris. Eventually, they reach a ship, where Darrow is tended to by a medic and finds himself surrounded by dying men, their armor melted and twisted from burns. As he lies there, he sees a young boy, badly injured, who mouths his name before dying. The scene is chaotic and intense, with the sounds of screams, howls, and cries for help filling the air, and the smell of smoke and charred flesh hanging heavy.
Darrow awakens in a bed, surrounded by his family, including his mother and uncle Narol, who have been waiting for him to recover from his ordeal. He is filled with emotions, feeling a mix of joy, guilt, and desperation as he reunites with his loved ones. As they catch up, Darrow learns that his family had given up hope of ever seeing him again, believing him to be dead after the Golds executed a boy who looked like him on the HC for treason. Dancer, a key figure in the rebellion, explains that Sevro never gave up searching for Darrow and eventually found him with the help of Theodora's intelligence network. Darrow is introduced to his nieces and nephews, including a baby girl who is the daughter of his brother Kieran and Eo's sister Dio. As the night wears on, Darrow's brother Kieran shares his hopes and fears for the future, expressing his desire for his children to have a better life. Darrow, feeling the weight of responsibility, tells his brother that he has a plan to save them, but in reality, he is unsure of what comes next. The chapter ends with Darrow feeling the darkness pressing in, aware of the challenges that lie ahead.
Darrow is reunited with his friends and allies, including Sevro and Ragnar, in the secret underground city of Tinos, also known as the City of Ares. Sevro, who has undergone a transformation, including getting his eyes Carved to match Darrow's, is his usual energetic and irreverent self. As Darrow is wheeled through the city, he is introduced to the harsh realities of the refugee camp, where hundreds of thousands of people from purged mines are struggling to survive. The city is plagued by disease, hunger, and violence, and Sevro and Ragnar are struggling to maintain order and keep the people alive. Darrow is shocked and saddened by the sight, feeling the weight of responsibility for the people's suffering. He realizes that the rebellion is not just about fighting against the Golds, but also about providing for and protecting the vulnerable people who have been displaced and oppressed. Sevro and Ragnar fill Darrow in on the details of the city's struggles, including riots, rationing, and the difficulties of keeping the peace. Darrow is torn between his desire to help the people and his feeling of hopelessness in the face of such overwhelming challenges.
Darrow is briefed by Dancer and other leaders of the Sons of Ares on the current state of the war against the Golds. The Society is at war, not just with the Rising, but also within itself, as different factions vie for power. The Jackal and Roque au Fabii have made significant gains, including the capture of key moons in the Jupiter system. The Sons of Ares are struggling to maintain control on Mars, with paramilitary armies rising up and massacring civilians, and the Golds responding with brutal force. Darrow learns that his capture and supposed execution by the Jackal were used as a catalyst for open war, and that Sevro released a hologram of Darrow's Carving to the entire Society, making him a mythic figure and a symbol of hope for the Reds. With the war raging on and the Sons of Ares facing numerous challenges, Darrow must come to terms with his new role as a leader and a symbol of the rebellion, and decide how to proceed in the face of overwhelming odds.
Darrow struggles to come to terms with the weight of responsibility placed upon him by the refugees in the city of Tinos, who see him as a symbol of hope. He is haunted by the memories of his past and the trauma he experienced, and is unsure if he can live up to the expectations of his people. Ragnar, a wise and experienced Obsidian, helps Darrow to see that he doesn't have to carry the burden alone and that his people need him, not as a mythic figure, but as a human being. Darrow visits the hospital where the wounded are being treated and is met with a mixture of awe and curiosity. He connects with the soldiers, sharing stories and jokes, and begins to feel a sense of purpose and belonging. With renewed determination, Darrow returns to the command room and asks for his friends' help in three key areas: sending an emissary to Mustang to inform her that he is alive, bringing Mickey the Carver back to Tinos to help him regain his physical strength, and finding a way to move forward with the war against the Golds. Despite some initial reservations, his friends agree to support him, and Darrow begins to feel a sense of hope and renewal.
Darrow visits Victra, who is being held in a secure room, and finds her watching a holo of Society news. They engage in a candid conversation, during which Victra expresses her feelings about the Society and her own situation. Darrow explains why he saved her and apologizes for not trusting her earlier. Victra reveals her desire for revenge against those who wronged her, including Antonia and Adrius. Darrow offers to help her achieve her goal and also invites her to join the Sons of Ares, promising to be a loyal brother to her. After a moment of vulnerability, Victra accepts Darrow's offer, and they seal their newfound bond with a handshake, marking a new beginning for her as a member of the Sons of Ares.
Darrow and Victra continue their recovery and training, with Victra pushing to join the Howlers, an elite group of warriors led by Sevro. After a series of missions with the Pitvipers, Darrow and Victra are finally deemed ready to join the Howlers. In a shocking and intense initiation ritual, they are subjected to a series of physical and mental challenges, including drinking excessive amounts of liquor and eating cockroaches and a snake. Once they complete the ritual, they are welcomed as members of the Howlers and given wolfcloaks. The ceremony is interrupted by Dancer, who brings news that the Jackal's silent partner, Quicksilver, has been identified and is planning to travel to Luna. Sevro sees this as an opportunity to launch Operation Black Market, a plan to kidnap Quicksilver and disrupt the economy. The Howlers are tasked with getting ready for the mission, and Darrow is filled with a mix of excitement and trepidation as he prepares for the challenges ahead.
Darrow and his companions, disguised as Obsidians, arrive on Phobos, one of Mars' moons, with the goal of kidnapping Quicksilver, a wealthy and influential figure. They are met by a contact, Rollo, a Red who works as a welder on the space towers, and are escorted through the moon's maintenance levels to a secret location. Along the way, they encounter a group of vagrants, including a man who is addicted to a stimulant, and Ragnar expresses his desire to help them, but Victra is unsympathetic. The group eventually arrives at a garage for garbage disposal haulers, where they meet a small army of Sons of Ares, a group of rebels. Sevro, the leader of the group, addresses the Sons and reveals their plan to blow up a target using mining explosives. Darrow is troubled by the plan and the potential consequences for the people they are trying to help, but he says nothing, choosing instead to follow Sevro's lead.
Darrow and the Howlers, an elite group of warriors, infiltrate Quicksilver's tower on Mars, avoiding detection by the authorities. They use advanced technology, including ghostCloaks and pulseGenerators, to sneak into the building and make their way to Quicksilver's bedroom suite. Along the way, they observe the opulent decorations and artwork, which seem to be designed to impress and manipulate guests. Darrow begins to feel uneasy, sensing that something is off, and expresses his concerns to Sevro, but Sevro is determined to push forward with the plan to capture Quicksilver, who is key to getting to the Jackal. As they prepare to breach the door to Quicksilver's suite, Darrow reflects on the war and the societal divide between the ruling class and the oppressed, feeling a growing sense of unease about the morality of their mission and the potential consequences of their actions.
Darrow and the Howlers infiltrate Quicksilver's tower, searching for their target, but instead find a Pink, Matteo, who is a former teacher and friend of Darrow's. Sevro's brutal interrogation of Matteo reveals that he may be Quicksilver's paramour, and the team decides to wait for him to wake up to gather more information. However, Sevro's impatience leads them to press on, and they discover a lead on Quicksilver's location. They breach the conference room, where they find Quicksilver and a group of Coppers and Silvers, as well as six Golden knights, including Mustang, Cassius, and Kavax. The team is met with a mix of shock and fear, and the situation is fraught with tension, setting the stage for a potentially deadly confrontation.
Darrow and the Howlers infiltrate Quicksilver's tower, intending to capture him, but instead find themselves in a diplomatic meeting with Mustang, Cassius, and other high-ranking Golds. The situation quickly escalates into chaos as the Howlers open fire, and a intense battle ensues. Darrow's friends and allies fight against the Golds, with many being injured or killed. Darrow himself is forced to fight against Mustang, but their duel is interrupted when she recognizes him and hesitates. The room falls into further chaos, with the Howlers gaining the upper hand. As the battle subsides, Darrow is left to confront the aftermath, including the revelation that Mustang is aware of his true identity and the fact that he has been presumed dead. Mustang escapes, but not before revealing that she has information about Darrow's past and the fate of his friends. The chapter ends with Darrow reflecting on the violence and bloodshed, and the realization that his presence is the common thread that binds the warring parties together.
Darrow and the Howlers are in a desperate situation, having just fought their way through Quicksilver's tower and now facing a massive security force. Sevro's leadership is called into question as Darrow takes charge, ordering the team to prepare for a daring escape by blasting their way out of the tower's viewport and into space, where they hope to be rescued by Holiday. However, their plan is complicated by the arrival of a powerful robot that increases the artificial gravity in the room, making it difficult for them to move or escape. Despite the odds, Darrow and his team manage to fire at the viewport, shattering it and creating a path to freedom, but not before the robot threatens to destroy them. As they are sucked out into space, Darrow and his team let out a fierce howl, embracing their fear and uncertainty, and finding a sense of bravery and unity in the face of death.
Darrow and his team, the Howlers, are forced to escape Quicksilver's tower by blasting their way out into space, where they risk exposure to the harsh conditions of vacuum. As they float through the void, their bodies begin to succumb to the effects of ebullism, with fluids vaporizing, skin stretching, and gas bubbles forming in their veins. Just as all hope seems lost, they are rescued by Holiday and her team, who manage to scoop them up and pressurize the cargo bay in time to save their lives. The team slowly regains consciousness, suffering from the aftereffects of their ordeal, including blindness and pain. As they come to, they learn that they were only exposed to the vacuum for approximately two and a half minutes, and that their quick thinking and teamwork helped to minimize the damage. With their lives saved, the team begins to assess their situation and plan their next move, grateful to have cheated death once again.
Darrow and the Howlers are in a precarious situation after kidnapping Quicksilver, with the authorities closing in on them. Sevro takes charge, ordering the team to prepare for an assault, but Darrow is more concerned with gathering information and understanding the implications of their actions. He speaks with Kavax, who reveals that Mustang is alive and has been working to protect the crew of the Pax. Kavax also shares that the Moon Lords are losing and that Mustang proposed a peace treaty with the Sovereign, which would pardon her and her allies in exchange for certain reforms. However, Darrow is unsure if he can trust Kavax and decides to investigate further. Meanwhile, Rollo, a Red engineer, suggests that the Howlers stay and help the Sons of Ares take the station, as the lowColors are eager for a leader and would rally behind the Reaper. Sevro is opposed to the idea, but Darrow is considering it as a viable option. As tensions rise, Darrow confronts Sevro, who is becoming increasingly erratic and isolated. Quicksilver, who has been captured, reveals that he is a founding member of the Sons of Ares, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
Darrow and the Howlers interrogate Quicksilver, who claims to be a founding member of the Sons of Ares and a key ally in their fight against the Golds. Quicksilver reveals that he has been working behind the scenes to bring down the Jackal and the Sovereign, and offers to provide the Sons of Ares with his vast resources and network of hackers and security teams. However, Sevro is skeptical of Quicksilver's motives and refuses to trust him, leading to a tense confrontation between the two. Darrow, meanwhile, is torn between his desire to believe Quicksilver and his loyalty to Sevro, and must navigate the complex web of alliances and rivalries within the rebellion. As the situation escalates, Sevro threatens to detonate explosives that could cripple the economy of the Society, forcing Darrow to make a difficult decision about whether to stop him or let him proceed.
Darrow and Sevro engage in a fierce and intense fight, with Darrow ultimately gaining the upper hand and Sevro breaking down in tears. The two friends have a heart-to-heart conversation, where Sevro expresses his feelings of inadequacy and fear of losing those he cares about. Darrow shares his own struggles and vulnerabilities, including his hatred for the refugees and his feelings of guilt and responsibility. The conversation brings them closer together, and Sevro destroys the detonator, symbolizing his willingness to work with Darrow towards a new plan. Darrow acknowledges the need for a new approach, including forming alliances and building a real army, and Sevro pledges to follow his lead. The chapter ends with a sense of hope and renewal, as the two friends begin to rebuild their relationship and work towards a common goal.
Darrow and the Howlers, along with Quicksilver, who has revealed himself to be a founding member of the Sons of Ares, prepare to take a stand against the Society. They broadcast a message across the planet, using Quicksilver's network, in which Darrow declares his intention to bring down the Golds' rule and free the lowColors from their oppression. The message is accompanied by a holographic image of Eo, Darrow's wife, who was executed by the Society for singing a rebellious song. The broadcast sparks a wave of defiance and unrest across the planet, with people from all walks of life joining the rebellion. As the tide of rebellion rises, Darrow and his allies launch a daring attack on the Society's military spire on Phobos, using maintenance skiffs and welders to breach the building and take control. The battle is intense and chaotic, with many lives lost, but the Sons of Ares emerge victorious, and the moon of Phobos falls to the rebellion. Darrow, however, knows that this is just the beginning of a long and bloody war, and that the true challenge lies ahead.
Darrow and the Howlers are preparing to escape Phobos in a luxury yacht provided by Quicksilver, disguised as Gold refugees. However, their plans are interrupted by the arrival of Mustang, who reveals that she has been working towards a peace treaty with the Sovereign. She expresses her desire to believe in Darrow's vision for a better world and offers to join him on his mission, suggesting an alliance between their houses to bring down the Society. Darrow is torn, knowing that trusting a Gold could be a gamble, but also aware that having Mustang by his side could be a powerful asset. He must decide whether to accept her offer and potentially risk everything, or to refuse and continue on his own path.
Darrow, Mustang, and Ragnar are on a ship, fleeing from Phobos as the Martian Navy approaches. They are headed to the Valkyrie Spires to gather an army of Obsidians to join their cause. Along the way, they discuss their plan to infiltrate the Society's military spire and hijack the shuttles, as well as Ragnar's intention to lead the Obsidians and free them from their oppressive "Gods". However, their journey is interrupted by a pursuing ship that attacks them, killing their pilot and damaging their vessel. Mustang takes control of the ship, but they are forced to make an emergency landing on the icy surface of Mars. As they plummet towards the ice, Darrow sees a giant figure standing on the coastline, reminiscent of Fitchner, before the ship crashes into the ice.
Darrow, Mustang, and Holiday find themselves stranded on an ice shelf after their ship crashes into the icy waters of Mars. They manage to escape the wreckage and make their way to the surface, where they're met with the harsh, freezing environment and the threat of deadly creatures lurking in the depths. As they try to catch their breath and assess their situation, they realize that Ragnar is missing, and Holiday reveals that he was pulled away by an unknown entity while they were escaping. Despite the danger, Darrow is determined to find Ragnar, but Holiday tries to stop him, fearing for his safety. However, Mustang intervenes, diving into the icy hole to search for Ragnar, armed with a razor and a flare.
Darrow, Mustang, Ragnar, and Holiday are stranded on the icy surface of Mars after their ship crashes. They must navigate the harsh environment and find shelter before the storm hits. Along the way, they encounter deadly creatures and Mustang is attacked by a maggot-like beast. Ragnar saves her and they manage to kill the creature. As they assess their situation, they realize they have limited supplies and no way to contact their allies for extraction. They decide to head towards the downed ship that attacked them, hoping to find survival gear and possibly take out their enemies. However, they are unsure if the ship's occupants, possibly Cassius and his squad, have survived the crash. Mustang is hesitant, revealing that she is unsure if Cassius is alone and if Aja, a skilled Gold knight, might be with him. Despite the risks, the group decides to push on, knowing it's their only chance for survival.
Darrow, Mustang, Ragnar, and Holiday are stranded on the icy surface of Mars after their ship crashes. They seek shelter in a nearby wrecked ship, where they find evidence of a brutal attack by Obsidian cannibals. The group fights off the cannibals, and Ragnar kills several of them, including a young woman who recognizes him as "Vjrnak" and seems to worship him. After the fight, they search the ship and find supplies, as well as a leather box containing Mustang's earring and several watches. They also discover that Cassius and his party had been on the ship, but departed several hours earlier, leaving behind dead Golds who were skinned alive by the cannibals. The group seals themselves inside the ship's galley, where they cook a meal and share stories. Ragnar opens up about his childhood, his mother, and his desire to know about his birth father. Mustang also shares a painful story about her family, including the death of her mother and her complicated relationship with her father. As they bond over their shared experiences, they begin to form a strong connection, and their differences as members of different colors seem to fade away.
Darrow, Mustang, and Holiday are stranded on the icy surface of Mars after their ship crashes. They decide to pursue Aja and Cassius, who are fleeing through the mountains with a small group of Grays and Peerless knights. The group tracks their quarry, following the trail of bodies and discarded gear, until they finally confront Aja and Cassius in a snowfield. A fierce battle ensues, with Darrow and Ragnar taking on Aja and Cassius. Despite being outnumbered, Aja proves to be a formidable opponent, and she gains the upper hand against Ragnar. Just as Aja is about to deliver the final blow, Mustang intervenes, firing an arrow that hits Cassius in the throat. As Cassius lies dying, Darrow and Mustang turn their attention to Aja, who is still fighting Ragnar. In a shocking turn of events, Aja uses a clever tactic to gain the upper hand against Ragnar, striking him down with a devastating blow. As Ragnar lies wounded, Aja prepares to face Darrow, but she is momentarily distracted by something in the sky, allowing Mustang to fire several arrows at her. Aja stumbles backward, losing her footing on the icy edge of a crevasse, and falls to her death.
Darrow and his companions are stranded on the icy surface of Mars after their ship crashes, and they are trying to escape from their enemies. However, their situation becomes even more dire when Ragnar, one of Darrow's closest friends, is mortally wounded in a battle with Aja, a skilled Gold knight. As Ragnar lies dying, he is reunited with his sister, Sefi, the leader of a group of Obsidian warriors known as the Sunborn. Despite the efforts of Darrow and Sefi to save him, Ragnar's wounds are too severe, and he asks Darrow to end his suffering. With a heavy heart, Darrow grants his friend's wish, and Ragnar dies surrounded by his loved ones. The chapter ends with Darrow feeling a deep sense of loss and grief, and Sefi vowing to live on and continue the fight for freedom.
Darrow, Mustang, and Holiday are taken captive by the Obsidians and brought before Alia Snowsparrow, the Queen of the Valkyrie. Alia is a formidable and intimidating figure, who is grieving the loss of her son Ragnar. She is aware of Darrow's true identity and his intentions, and she sees him as a threat to her people and her way of life. Despite Mustang's attempts to reason with her and offer her a chance to join their cause, Alia is resolute in her decision to send them to the Golds as prisoners. She believes that the Golds are gods and that it is her duty to protect her people by serving them. Darrow realizes that Alia knows the truth about the Golds being mortal, but she has chosen to ignore it and maintain the status quo. The chapter ends with Alia's decision to send them to the Golds, and Darrow's desperate attempt to change her mind and offer her a different path.
Darrow, Mustang, and Holiday are taken captive by the Obsidians and brought to the black temple at the peak of the mountain, where they will be presented to the Golds as a gift to secure the future of the Obsidian people. However, Sefi, the silent daughter of Alia Snowsparrow, seems to be having second thoughts about her mother's decision and may be open to listening to Darrow's words. Darrow takes the opportunity to speak with Sefi alone and shares his knowledge of the Golds' true nature and the fate of the Obsidians who are sent to serve them. He appeals to Sefi's sense of justice and her love for her brother, Ragnar, who died fighting for their people's freedom. Sefi appears to be moved by Darrow's words and eventually decides to help him, freeing him and his companions from their chains. The group then disguises themselves as Valkyrie and begins their ascent up the stairs of the Way of Stains, a perilous path that only the bravest Obsidians dare to take. As they climb, they are met by a withered old man, a Violet, who serves as a guardian of the temple. Darrow uses the story of a fallen ship from the stars to pique the Violet's interest and gain an audience with the Golds, hoping to use this opportunity to further his own goals and bring about change to the Society.
Darrow and his companions, disguised as Obsidians, infiltrate the temple of the Golds, where they meet with two Peerless Scarred Golds, Freya and Loki. Darrow tells them a story about a fallen ship, which sparks their interest and leads them to reveal their true identities. Mustang removes her mask, revealing her face and her connection to House Andromedus, and Darrow seizes the opportunity to attack the Golds. He kills Freya and, with Mustang's help, kills Loki, who is revealed to be Proctor Mercury, a Gold Darrow had previously encountered. The Valkyrie, led by Sefi, are shocked and fascinated by the death of the "gods" and begin to question their own beliefs. Darrow and Mustang use the opportunity to try to gain the Valkyrie's trust and convince them to join their cause, with Sefi eventually taking up Freya's razor and assuming a symbol of power. The group prepares to face the remaining Golds, with Mustang asking Proctor Mercury for the codes to Asgard's armory, and Sefi and the Valkyrie seeming to be on the verge of a violent and bloody rebellion.
Darrow, accompanied by Mustang and Sefi, returns to the Valkyrie Spires, dragging the bodies of captured Golds behind them. They infiltrate the temple, killing several Golds and taking others captive, including two Peerless Scarred. Darrow addresses the Obsidian warriors, revealing the truth about the Golds and their false divinity. Sefi, now donning the armor of the gods, decapitates her mother, Alia, who had refused to acknowledge the truth and had ordered the Obsidians to kill Darrow and his companions. With Alia's death, Sefi takes the throne and declares the Valkyrie's allegiance to Darrow's cause, calling upon the Obsidian tribes to join the war against the Golds. The chapter ends with the Valkyrie chanting their war cry, and Darrow and Mustang exchanging a somber glance, aware of the consequences of their actions and the uncertainty of the future.
Darrow travels across the ice with Sefi, speaking to various Obsidian tribes and sharing the news of the fall of Asgard. The Obsidians are beginning to join Darrow's cause, and Sefi's Valkyrie are training with Holiday and Darrow to learn how to use gravBoots and pulse weapons. Meanwhile, back in Tinos, Sevro is grieving the loss of Ragnar and is found slumped over his body in Mickey's laboratory. Darrow sits with Sevro in silence, and they eventually talk about Ragnar's death and the impact it has had on them. Sevro shares stories about Ragnar and his desire to go to Venus, and Darrow reflects on the nature of their fight and the importance of giving people a chance to decide their own path. The two friends also discuss their recent military victories and the challenges that lie ahead, including the need to relocate hundreds of thousands of Obsidians to safety. As they talk, Darrow realizes that he and Sevro are the light in the darkness, and that they are spreading hope and change throughout the world.
Darrow visits Victra and then heads to the commissary, where he finds Mustang sharing stories with his family and friends, including Kavax and Daxo. The atmosphere is relaxed, and Darrow is pleased to see his loved ones getting along with the Golds. However, the conversation turns serious when Daxo and Mustang express their concerns about Darrow's plan to use clawDrills to invade key cities on Mars, citing the potential for chaos and destruction. They also warn Darrow that his brother, the Jackal, will not forgive him for his past defeats and will stop at nothing to destroy him. Mustang shares a personal anecdote about her brother's obsessive and calculating nature, highlighting the dangers of underestimating him. The group discusses the need for a new plan, one that targets the Jackal and the heart of the Society's power, rather than simply taking cities. Darrow is forced to consider the potential consequences of his actions and the possibility of alternative strategies.
Darrow visits Cassius, who is being held in the Sons of Ares infirmary, and they discuss the Sovereign's motivations for suing for peace. Cassius reveals that the Jackal has been stockpiling helium and creating artificial shortages, and that he has also acquired 500 nuclear warheads, each with a yield of 30 megatons. Cassius believes that the Jackal plans to use these warheads on Mars if his back is against the wall, and that the Sovereign is trying to remove him from power to prevent this from happening. Darrow is shocked by this revelation and realizes that the stakes of the war are much higher than he previously thought. Cassius's motivations for telling Darrow this information are unclear, but it seems that he is trying to prevent a catastrophic outcome for Mars and its people.
Darrow and his allies discuss the revelation that the Jackal has 500 nuclear warheads and may use them on Mars if he's cornered. The group debates whether to torture Cassius, the source of the information, to confirm its truth, but ultimately decide against it. Darrow proposes a new plan to abandon the current operation, Rising Tide, which aims to take control of Mars, and instead launch a surprise attack on the Society's main fleet, the Sword Armada, in the outer rim. The goal is to destroy the Armada and cripple the Society's war machine, rather than fighting a long and bloody war on Mars. The plan is ambitious and risky, but Darrow believes it's the only way to truly defeat the Society and bring about change. The chapter ends with Darrow's allies stunned by the proposal, but eager to hear more and begin planning the daring operation.
Darrow prepares to depart with Sevro and Mustang to join the fleet in orbit, marking the beginning of a new phase in the war against the Society. As he says his goodbyes, Dancer reflects on the significance of the moment, noting that the Red Armada is going to war. Darrow and Dancer share a heartfelt moment, with Dancer expressing his pride in Darrow and the progress they've made. Darrow then visits his mother, who gives him a gift from Lykos and reminds him to remember his roots and the hopes of their people. With a sense of determination and purpose, Darrow boards the shuttle, joining his friends and allies as they set out to fight for their freedom and the future of Mars. The chapter ends with a powerful moment of solidarity, as Darrow's army raises their fists in unison, symbolizing their commitment to the cause and their desire to break the chains of oppression.
Darrow, accompanied by Mustang and Sefi, meets with Legate Vela au Raa, the sister of Romulus au Raa, the Sovereign of the Rim, on the moon of Io. Vela informs Darrow that her brother wishes to meet with him at his private residence on the Wastes of Karrack, but Darrow is wary of a potential trap. After conferring with Mustang and Sevro, Darrow decides to trust the honor of the Rim's Golds and accepts Vela's invitation, despite Sevro's reservations. Mustang assures Darrow that Romulus would not kill a guest, as honor is a deeply valued concept among the Rim's Golds. Darrow, Mustang, and Sefi prepare to leave with Vela, while Sevro remains behind, ready to launch a retaliatory attack if Darrow and the others do not return within six hours.
Darrow arrives at the home of Romulus au Raa, the Moon Lord, on the moon of Io. The home is a serene and peaceful oasis, with gardens and a pulseBubble that maintains a perfect climate. Darrow meets Romulus's daughter, Sera, who is innocent and unaware of the brutal world outside. Romulus himself is a complex and intriguing figure, with a violent past and a deep sense of honor. He and Darrow engage in a conversation about the nature of civilization and war, and Romulus reveals that he is aware of Darrow's role in the death of his family members during the Triumph on Mars. Darrow confirms the brutal details of their deaths, and Romulus thanks him for the truth. The conversation turns to the topic of war and peace, and Romulus reveals that he has been weighing his options and considering a peace treaty with the Sovereign. However, he also has another guest, sent by the Sovereign, who will likely complicate the negotiations.
Darrow meets with Roque au Fabii, a Gold and former friend, on the moon of Io to negotiate with the Moon Lords, a group of powerful Golds who control the outer rim of the solar system. Roque is there to represent the Sovereign, the ruler of the Society, and offers the Moon Lords a deal: in exchange for their loyalty and help in defeating Darrow and the rebellion, the Sovereign will grant them greater autonomy and representation in the Senate. However, Darrow reveals a shocking secret: the Sovereign has been secretly stockpiling nuclear weapons in the asteroid belt, and Roque's fleet is equipped with enough warheads to annihilate the Moon Lords' worlds. The Moon Lords are outraged and accuse Roque of lying and hiding behind his honor. Romulus, the leader of the Moon Lords, declares a blood feud against Roque and vows to defeat him in battle. Darrow and Mustang form an alliance with the Moon Lords, and they begin to plan a battle against Roque's fleet. As Roque leaves, he recites a poem, hinting that he will not go down without a fight and that the war will be brutal and devastating. Darrow is left to ponder the consequences of his actions and the true cost of his rebellion.
The chapter begins with a ritual where a young virgin girl slices the hand of Romulus au Raa, a Gold lord, as a symbol of their commitment to victory and the honoring of their ancestors. Darrow, the protagonist, watches from the corner, feeling a sense of familiarity with the ritual, having witnessed it before. He is surrounded by his Gold allies, including Mustang and the Telemanuses, who are preparing for battle against their common enemy, Roque au Fabii. Darrow says his goodbyes to Romulus and the others, and shares a moment with Kavax, who tells him that he is considered one of them, despite not being a Gold. Darrow then shares a romantic moment with Mustang, kissing her before they part ways to join their respective ships for the upcoming battle. The chapter ends with Darrow feeling a sense of determination and urgency, knowing that the battle ahead will be fierce and that many lives will be lost.
Darrow, the Reaper, prepares for battle against Roque au Fabii's fleet, accompanied by his allies, including Mustang, Victra, and Sevro. As they await the enemy's approach, Darrow shares a moment with his friends and allies, exchanging banter and well-wishes. He then addresses his fleet, broadcasting a message to all ships, urging them to stand against fear and to reclaim their lives. Darrow declares that they are not just different colors, but humanity, and that they will build a new future. With a final rallying cry, he orders his ships to prepare for battle, ready to face the enemy and fight for their freedom.
The war between the Society and the rebellion reaches its climax as Darrow's fleet, led by the Pax, engages in a fierce battle against Roque's Sword Armada. Despite being outgunned and outmatched, Darrow's forces fight valiantly, but they suffer heavy losses. The Pax, Darrow's ship, is severely damaged, and many of his allies are killed or captured. Roque, anticipating Darrow's tactics, has set a trap for him, and the Pax is pinned down by the enemy's superior firepower. As the battle rages on, Darrow orders his remaining leechCraft to launch a desperate attack on the MoonBreaker, Roque's capital ship, but they are wiped out by nuclear warheads. With his ship dying and his options dwindling, Darrow refuses to surrender, and Roque orders his legate to launch all leechCraft to capture or kill the Reaper. The fate of the rebellion and the future of the solar system hang in the balance as the battle reaches its decisive moment.
Darrow, disguised as a Helldiver, leads a team of Obsidian warriors in a daring assault on Roque's warship, the MoonBreaker. Using a clawDrill, a massive, armored drilling machine, Darrow burrows through the ship's hull, carving a tunnel and creating chaos among the enemy. He then abandons the drill and joins his team, including Victra, Holiday, and Sefi, as they prepare to breach the ship's interior and engage the enemy in close combat. With their shields activated and their pulseWeapons at the ready, the team charges forward, driven by their battle cry and their determination to take down the Society. As they enter the fray, Darrow reflects on the brutality of war and the need to wear a mask to hide his humanity, embracing his role as the Reaper and preparing to unleash hell on his enemies.
Darrow and his team, including Victra, Sefi, and Holiday, have breached the enemy ship, the MoonBreaker, and are fighting their way through the halls to reach the bridge. They face intense resistance from the ship's security forces, including Grays and Golds, and suffer heavy losses. Despite the challenges, they press on, using their unique skills and teamwork to overcome the obstacles in their path. As they near the bridge, they are met with a locked door that will take fourteen minutes to breach, but they know they don't have that much time. Victra suggests charging down the middle hall to meet the enemy head-on, while Holiday wants to wait for the drill to do its work. Just as they are discussing their options, the door to the bridge unexpectedly opens, leaving them vulnerable to attack.
Darrow and his team, including Victra and Sefi, infiltrate Roque's warship, the MoonBreaker, and make their way to the bridge. They are met with resistance from Roque's soldiers, but Darrow's team is able to overpower them. Roque, realizing his fleet is being defeated, refuses to surrender and instead chooses to take his own life, wrapping his razor whip around his throat. Before dying, Roque declares his pride in being a Gold and his loyalty to the Society. Darrow is left to grapple with the loss of his friend and the weight of his own actions, knowing that he has set in motion a chain of events that will change the course of the war and the future of the Society.
Darrow and his team have taken control of the Colossus, a powerful warship, after defeating Roque au Fabii. However, instead of pursuing Antonia, who has abandoned her fleet, Darrow decides to head towards Ganymede, a moon with a massive dockyard that is crucial to the Society's power. Romulus, the leader of the Moon Lords, contacts Darrow and warns him that the Colossus is heading towards Ganymede, and if it's not stopped, it could destroy the dockyard and cripple the Moon Lords' ability to threaten the Core. Darrow pretends to be still fighting to take the bridge, and Romulus urges him to stop the ship at all costs. However, Darrow has other plans. He orders the Colossus to open fire on the dockyard, destroying it and dealing a significant blow to the Society's ability to wage war. The destruction of the dockyard is a pivotal moment in the war, and Darrow's actions will have far-reaching consequences. The chapter ends with Darrow reflecting on the gravity of his actions and the cycle of violence that he has perpetuated.
Darrow holds a funeral for his former friend Roque, who was killed in battle, and says goodbye to him in a private ceremony with Mustang and the Howlers. He then meets with Cassius, who is being held prisoner, and they share a drink and watch old videos from their time at the Institute. They reminisce about their past and discuss the war, their roles in it, and the weight of their actions. Cassius reveals his own fears and doubts, and Darrow opens up about his feelings of isolation and disconnection from those around him. The two former friends find a moment of connection and understanding, despite being on opposite sides of the war. Meanwhile, Darrow's fleet is preparing to set sail for their next destination, and he is struggling to come to terms with the consequences of his actions and the path ahead.
Darrow is awakened by Sevro, who informs him that Victra has engaged Antonia in battle and requests reinforcements. Darrow, Mustang, and the Howlers rush to Victra's aid, arriving to find that she has emerged victorious and captured Antonia and many of her ships. Victra reveals that she executed some of Antonia's men and has taken command of the rest, solidifying her position as the leader of House Julii. Darrow is wary of Victra's newfound independence and wonders if she will remain loyal to their cause. Meanwhile, Darrow visits Antonia and Thistle, a former friend who betrayed him, in their prison cells, offering them a chance to live if they provide information about the Jackal's plans and the location of the nuclear weapons. Thistle apologizes for her betrayal, but Darrow is unsure if he can forgive her. As Darrow navigates the complex web of alliances and rivalries, he must also confront the moral implications of his actions and the true cost of his rebellion.
Darrow and his allies are interrogating Antonia and Thistle, two captured Golds, in an attempt to extract information about the Jackal's plans and the location of nuclear weapons. However, the interrogation takes a dark turn when Antonia brutally kills Thistle by smashing her head against the bars of their cells. Victra, Antonia's sister, is consumed by rage and grief, and beats Antonia mercilessly. Sevro intervenes to stop Victra, and Antonia is left severely injured. Later, the Sons of Ares search Thistle's personal effects and find a cured wolf fur, which holds sentimental value for Sevro and the other Howlers. The chapter also reveals that Victra has called off her relationship with Sevro, citing her own darkness and fear of ruining everything. Sevro is left heartbroken, and Darrow tries to comfort him. The chapter ends with a sense of foreboding, as Sevro warns that the Jackal has something planned, and the war is far from over.
Darrow and his allies are trying to verify the information provided by Antonia, a captured Gold, about the Jackal's plans and the location of nuclear weapons. However, the information is difficult to confirm, and they are unsure if they can trust her. Meanwhile, Holiday joins Darrow on the bridge of the Pandora, and they share a moment of conversation, discussing their past and their motivations. Holiday opens up about her childhood and her relationship with her brother Trigg, who was killed in action. Darrow tries to contact Quicksilver's digital dataDrop, but the Society is jamming all frequencies, making it difficult to get any information. Suddenly, a message is broadcast across all frequencies, showing the Jackal executing Darrow's uncle, Narol, who was caught sabotaging beacons in deep space. The message sparks chaos and violence throughout the fleet, with lowColors turning against the highColors. Darrow orders his crew to wake the Howlers and prepare for battle, and he tries to contact Mustang and Orion to coordinate a response. Mustang reports that there is already movement against highColors on several ships, and that some Golds have been killed. Darrow tells her to evacuate her personnel and get to a safe location, and he warns her that Sefi, the leader of the Valkyrie, is leading the charge against the highColors.
Darrow's ship is thrown into chaos as Sefi, the leader of the Valkyrie, takes control and begins executing Golds, including Cassius, in a brutal display of vengeance. Sevro intervenes, killing Cassius and then dramatically hanging himself alongside the Gold, only to be cut down by Sefi. As Sevro struggles to breathe, he delivers a powerful speech, calling for the rebellion to fight for a better world, one built on hope and love rather than hate and revenge. He forgives Cassius for killing his father, citing fear and a desire to protect the world he knew. The chapter ends with Sevro's declaration that he is no longer afraid, and that the rebellion must strive to create a better world, setting the stage for a potential shift in the conflict and the characters' motivations.
The chapter revolves around Sevro's wedding to Victra, a Gold, in a ceremony attended by their friends and allies. The celebration brings a sense of joy and normalcy to the fleet, despite the ongoing war. Meanwhile, Darrow reflects on the significance of the union and the challenges that lie ahead. As the festivities continue, Holiday interrupts with news that the Jackal, Darrow's arch-nemesis, is trying to contact him directly. The chapter ends with Darrow's sense of dread and foreboding, as he prepares to face the consequences of his actions and the ongoing conflict.
Darrow sits in a training room, speaking with the Jackal, his arch-nemesis, via a holographic projection. The Jackal is amused and agitated, and the two engage in a conversation about their past and the war. Darrow tries to understand the Jackal's motivations and desires, and the Jackal reveals his own feelings of inadequacy and regret. Meanwhile, Mustang joins Darrow and confronts her brother, the Jackal, about his actions and their complicated past. The conversation becomes emotional, with Mustang expressing her sorrow and anger towards her brother. The Jackal's facade begins to crumble, and he reveals his true feelings of loneliness and desire for love. Darrow and Mustang eventually cut off the connection, and they share a moment of intimacy, holding each other and looking up at the stars. They discuss their future and the possibility of defeating the Jackal and bringing an end to the war. The chapter ends with Darrow and Mustang returning to the party, but Darrow is content to simply be with Mustang, breathing in her scent and looking into her eyes.
Darrow's fleet approaches Luna, and he is met with a mixture of fear and defiance from the Society's forces. He demands to speak with the Sovereign herself, rather than a lackey, and threatens to attack if his demands are not met. Meanwhile, Darrow arranges for Cassius, a former enemy, to be released from prison and escape on a shuttle, in an effort to spare his life and allow him to leave the war behind. However, Cassius betrays Darrow's trust and attacks Sevro, shooting him multiple times before Darrow can intervene. The chapter ends with Sevro mortally wounded and Darrow facing a devastating loss.
Darrow's world is turned upside down as Cassius, a former enemy, betrays him and shoots his best friend Sevro, who dies in his arms. Cassius and Antonia, another enemy, take Darrow and Mustang prisoner, using a metallic harness to restrain them. They escape on a shuttle, and Cassius contacts the Sovereign's forces, arranging for an escort and docking clearance. Aja, a Gold knight, responds, and Cassius shows her the bodies of Darrow, Mustang, and Sevro, demanding that no harm come to Mustang in exchange for his loyalty. Aja agrees, and Cassius redirects the shuttle to meet with the Sovereign and ArchGovernor Augustus, who has set a trap for Darrow's fleet. As Darrow is taken away, he is left to mourn the loss of Sevro and worry about the fate of Mustang and his own people.
Darrow is dragged to the hangar bay, where he is met by the Jackal, who is accompanied by his Boneriders and Obsidian bodyguards. The Jackal reveals that he has been given permission by the Sovereign to take Darrow and Mustang into custody, and he intends to deliver them to the Citadel. Cassius, who had been working with the Jackal, is ordered to cut off Darrow's right hand as a precaution, using Darrow's own red-hot slingBlade. As Darrow screams in pain, the Jackal declares "Hic sunt leones" ("Here are the lions"), a phrase that becomes a haunting refrain. The chapter ends with Darrow's hand being severed, and the Jackal holding it up as a trophy, while Darrow's allies look on in horror.
Darrow is brought before the Sovereign, the ruler of the Society, in a heavily fortified bunker beneath the moon's surface. The Sovereign is surrounded by her most trusted advisors, including Olympic Knights, Praetorians, and the Jackal. Darrow is accompanied by Mustang, who is also a prisoner, and Sevro's lifeless body. The Sovereign reveals that she knows about Darrow's plan to attack the Citadel and that her forces are preparing to defend against it. She also announces that Antonia au Severus-Julii, a Gold who had been working with Darrow's enemies, has been found guilty of treason and dereliction of duty and is sentenced to death. Aja, a powerful and deadly Gold, carries out the execution by strangling Antonia to death. The Sovereign then turns her attention to Darrow, intending to use him as a symbol of her power and control over the rebellion.
Darrow, severely injured and with his right hand severed, is brought before the Sovereign, who intends to execute him publicly as a symbol of her power and control over the rebellion. However, Cassius, who has been secretly working with Darrow, intervenes and kills several Praetorians, allowing Darrow and Mustang to escape their restraints. Darrow then kills the Sovereign, and Aja, the deadliest human in the Solar System, is left to avenge her. A fierce battle ensues, with Aja using her superior skills and armor to overpower Darrow, Mustang, and Cassius. Just as all hope seems lost, Darrow remembers the syringe filled with snakebite that Cassius had given him earlier, which he uses to revive Sevro, who had been pretending to be dead. The chapter ends with Sevro awakening, ready to join the fight against Aja and turn the tide of the battle.
The scene unfolds with Sevro awakening from a coma and joining the battle against Aja, a powerful Gold knight. Despite being severely injured, Sevro fights valiantly and helps to defeat Aja, ultimately beheading her. The group then turns their attention to the Sovereign, who is mortally wounded. Cassius reveals the truth about the Sovereign's involvement in the massacre of his family and the Jackal's role in the tragedy. The Sovereign is shown a holocube containing footage of the massacre, and she is held accountable for her actions. As she dies, she warns Darrow about the dangers of Adrius and the importance of maintaining order in the Society. With the Sovereign's death, Darrow is left to ponder the consequences of his actions and the future of the Society, feeling a sense of dread and uncertainty.
The Jackal reveals his plan to destroy the moon of Luna using hidden nuclear bombs, and demands that Darrow kill himself in exchange for sparing the lives of the three billion people living on the moon. Darrow refuses and instead rips out the Jackal's tongue, rendering him mute. The group then contacts Victra and instructs her to destroy the Lion of Mars, the ship from which the Jackal's accomplice, Lilath, is detonating the bombs. However, this plan is deemed too risky and could result in the loss of their fleet. Lysander, the Jackal's nephew, suggests contacting the Ash Lord, a powerful Gold, who may be willing to help them stop the bombings. Mustang contacts the Ash Lord and other Gold Praetors, explaining the situation and pleading with them to work together to stop the destruction of Luna. The Ash Lord is initially resistant, but Lysander's words and Mustang's persuasion eventually lead him to consider their proposal.
The chapter concludes the story with Darrow and Mustang standing together, having successfully overthrown the Sovereign and taken control of the Society. Mustang, now the new Sovereign, declares the beginning of a new age and offers the Senators a choice: to bend and join her, or to break and face the consequences. The Senators, realizing the power of the Rising and the Obsidian Horde, choose to bend and pledge their loyalty to Mustang. Darrow, in a symbolic gesture, kneels before Mustang and pledges his loyalty, followed by Cassius, Sevro, and the rest of the Senators. The chapter then jumps forward in time to show the execution of the Jackal, Mustang's twin brother, who is hanged for his crimes. Mustang is emotionally torn apart by the event, but Darrow is there to support her, and together they watch as the Jackal meets his end. The story concludes with a sense of hope and new beginnings, as Darrow and Mustang look to the future and the possibility of building a better world together.
The story concludes with Darrow and Mustang standing together, having successfully overthrown the Sovereign and taken control of the Society. The Color Hierarchy is being dismantled, and the Gold grip on military power is being broken. Darrow's body is in recovery after being severely injured, and he is reflecting on the changes that have taken place. He thinks about how his goal of destroying the Society has evolved into a more nuanced understanding of the need for gradual change. The Obsidians, led by Sefi, are working to free their people from their prisons and assimilate into the rest of society. Darrow will soon return to Mars to help lead the migration of Reds to the surface. The chapter jumps forward in time to show Darrow and Mustang on Earth, watching the waves and reflecting on their past and future. They discuss the possibility of lasting peace and the challenges that lie ahead. Mustang reveals that she has been testing Darrow to see if he can build and create, rather than just destroy. She also shares that she has been hiding a secret: they have a son together, named Pax, who is being carried by Darrow's mother. The story ends with Darrow and Mustang embracing, surrounded by their friends and family, and looking towards a hopeful future.