6:58 p.m. EST

As the flight prepares for takeoff, Robin playfully congratulates Allie and Van on their supposed elopement, teasing them about honeymooning in rainy, unromantic London. Van introduces himself with easy charm, maintaining their cover story for the seat switch and fake nuptials.

Robin produces duty-free wine—Dragon Yard pinot gris—with a dragon-handled corkscrew. The label jolts Allie and Van, who share strained laughter at the omen-laden name, a dark echo of King Sorrow’s reach into their lives. Van smooths the moment with a joking fabrication about their “first date,” reinforcing their ruse.

As the plane accelerates, Allie’s phone thrums. She retrieves a voicemail from Colin, who explains he was at Langley and missed her calls. Colin reveals that Horation Matthews travels under his birth name, Randy Mathers, possibly with false papers, and contradicts Van’s belief that their presence protects the flight. He insists Allie get off and let events unfold, warning that they cannot shield the plane and instructing her to delete the message and call him.

The call reframes their plan: the threat remains active despite any oath, Matthews may already be aboard under another identity, and Allie faces an immediate choice as the aircraft commits to takeoff.