On the morning set for Asterin’s execution, Manon stays awake in Morath’s wyvern aerie, sharpening Wind-Cleaver beside Abraxos. Asterin has been imprisoned too securely for rescue, and Manon believes any further defiance would endanger the rest of the Thirteen. Manon resolves to give Asterin the only mercy left: to invoke the Words of Request and execute Asterin swiftly herself.

Sorrel comes to tell Manon that dawn is near. Sorrel realizes Manon means to claim the execution and quietly challenges Manon’s cold acceptance, reminding Manon that Asterin is dying to protect Manon’s secrets. Manon answers with Ironteeth discipline, but the exchange exposes the strain between duty, fear, and loyalty within the Thirteen.

The execution is held on a veranda before the assembled witches and Matrons. Asterin kneels bloodied and beaten, and the Blackbeak Matron reveals that Iskra Yellowlegs was allowed to punish Asterin for the slain sentinels. Manon discovers that Iskra chained, whipped, and brutally beat Asterin, provoking rage in Manon and even visible fury from Sorrel.

When the Yellowlegs coven prepares to form a line and take vengeance from Asterin, Manon invokes the right of execution, claiming Asterin’s death as her own because Asterin is her Second. Cresseida Blueblood supports the claim in repayment for Manon saving her daughter, forcing the other Matrons to honor the ritual law. Manon has Sorrel turn Asterin toward the sunrise so Asterin can face dawn one last time.

As Manon raises Wind-Cleaver, Asterin asks Manon to bring her body back to the cabin. Manon realizes Asterin could save herself by betraying Manon’s secrets but chooses silence instead, and Manon understands that loyalty, love, and hope matter more than obedience and brutality. The Thirteen salute Manon not as a High Witch but as a Witch-Queen, signaling their forgiveness and allegiance.

Asterin’s final request is for Manon to bring their people home. Rather than kill Asterin, Manon gives the Thirteen a final order to run. Manon then turns Wind-Cleaver away from Asterin and strikes at the Blackbeak Matron, openly rebelling against her grandmother and the Ironteeth order.