Liam follows Dianna through the festival while privately admitting that, despite Dianna being an Ig’Morruthen and still owing punishment for her crimes, Liam enjoys Dianna’s companionship. Liam remains watchful and protective, noting the people who stare at Dianna and worrying because their last informant poisoned her.

Dianna leads Liam into a darker area near the rides, where a dirty, nervous informant appears. The informant says Dianna is blacklisted and that the Otherworld is in chaos after Liam’s return. The informant also claims Kaden may have found the book, which Liam dismisses as impossible, and warns that Kaden has put a price on Dianna’s head, alive or dead.

Dianna is visibly shaken by the warning, and Liam reacts by lifting the informant off the ground and demanding useful information. The informant gives them a plan: they must go to the international airport, meet an unnamed pilot at a back hangar, and hide with cargo on a small plane bound for Zarall. Dianna leaves immediately, and Liam follows after ignoring the informant’s comment about the strange alliance between the son of Unir and an Ig’Morruthen.

During the drive to the airport, Dianna is unusually silent. At an abandoned road near the hangars, Dianna texts the contact and learns the pilot will arrive at dawn. While waiting on top of the car, Dianna asks Liam about the stars, other realms, ancient gods, and the afterlife, using the conversation to avoid her fear. Dianna then admits that after their mission, if Dianna survives, Liam will likely imprison her.

Dianna asks Liam to promise that if Kaden captures Dianna, Liam will protect Gabby. Dianna explains that Kaden means every threat, that Dianna accepted servitude and bloodshed to keep Gabby alive, and that Gabby is innocent despite loving Dianna. Liam sees Dianna not as a monster but as someone forced into becoming a weapon, takes Dianna’s hand, and promises to keep Gabby safe and to stop Kaden from touching Dianna again.

Their tension eases when Dianna teases Liam, making Liam genuinely laugh. Dianna finds the photo booth pictures Liam kept in his jacket, and they discuss the image where Dianna forced Liam toward the camera. Liam agrees that Dianna is Liam’s friend, and their shared laughter and closeness turn into a peaceful moment as Dianna curls against Liam, until Liam’s dreams threaten to break it.