Beneath the Holy Sepulcher, Dior joins Reyne, Arlynn, Laerd Brann, Isla, Gillian, Morgana, Declan, and Maeron to plan a rebellion inside Maergenn. They debate freeing more enthralled servants, but reject the kitchen staff plan because any panic or exposed blood could alert Nikita’s undead watchers.

Reyne argues that killing Nikita and Lilidh would break the enemy alliance. Dior proposes using the rebels’ access to Nikita’s chambers, Isla’s duties, Reyne’s hidden route, and Celene’s watch to strike when Nikita sleeps. Dior insists Aaron must not be harmed, arguing that Nikita forced Aaron’s actions and that Aaron once saved Dior’s life.

The group turns to the practical problem of killing ancien vampires. Dior knows her blood burns them but is unsure it will be enough, so Morgana points out the silver weapons built into the Mothermaid’s tomb sculpture. The rebels try to pry the blades free, hoping silver through the heart might serve, but the sculpture is a single piece and will not break.

While Reyne strains against the Mothermaid’s longblade, the tomb mechanism shifts open and reveals a hidden stair marked with another sigil of the Esana. Despite Isla’s warning that the enemy council may end soon, Dior chooses to investigate; Reyne refuses to let Dior go alone, and the whole company descends while Celene’s watching mote remains barred by sanctified ground.

After a long wait, the rebels return from the underdark soaked with foul water and visibly transformed by horror. No one explains what they saw, but Gillian breaks down in confusion, Reyne is bloodless, and Dior emerges furious. Rather than abandon the silver plan, Dior storms away to get a saw.