Celene steps between Gabriel, Dior, and the Dyvok attackers, refusing Kiara Dyvok’s demand to stand aside. Dior remains alone on the bloodied ice near the meatwagon while Celene faces Kiara and Rykard, leaving both enemies uncertain about Celene’s loyalties until Kiara chooses violence.

Kiara and Rykard attack together, but Celene moves with terrifying speed and skill. Celene dodges Kiara’s maul, slices through Rykard’s hammer, wounds Rykard deeply, and seizes Kiara’s wrist. Gabriel recognizes Celene using sanguimancy, the same blood-magic power inherited from their father, as Kiara’s blood begins to boil and her flesh blackens under Celene’s grip.

Kiara breaks free by striking Celene away, and Gabriel forces himself upright despite broken ribs to defend Dior. Gabriel fights Kiara while Lachlan continues battling Kane elsewhere on the frozen river. Dior tries to advance with her dagger, but Gabriel warns Dior to stay back, knowing Kiara’s strength could overwhelm them if not for the dim daylight and Gabriel’s aegis.

The fight shifts when Rykard cries out. Gabriel sees Celene has mutilated Rykard, leaving him kneeling before her with both arms ruined or severed. Celene bites into Rykard’s throat, giving him the vampire’s Kiss, a rapturous sensation that turns to terror when both Rykard and Gabriel realize Celene will not stop feeding.

Celene drains Rykard completely until Rykard’s body bursts into dust. The act seems to restore Celene slightly: her wounds appear to heal, her dead flesh begins to mend, and a trace of her living eye color returns. Gabriel does not understand what he has witnessed, and even Kiara appears shaken by Celene’s power.

With Rykard destroyed and Kane occupied by Lachlan, Kiara judges the battle no longer favorable. Kiara promises Gabriel another night, then raises her maul and smashes it into the frozen river despite Gabriel’s warning to Dior. The ice of the Mère explodes, ending the fight in catastrophe.