In the council library, Dianna asks about Cameron’s strange scenting device, and Liam explains that Cameron has unusually heightened senses, making him an excellent tracker. Liam and Dianna then search through records on the Kings of Yejedin and Azrael’s Book. Liam notes that Kaden now has the book, meaning their alliance and search will likely continue longer than expected, and Dianna allows herself to hope Liam might bring her back to see Onuna’s stars.

While browsing, Dianna finds illustrations of Ig’Morruthen and asks whether the monstrous beasts are what she is. Liam confirms that Dianna came from that kind of creature but insists Dianna is not the same. As Liam struggles to locate any remaining records about Azrael, Dianna suggests that anyone who knew about a god-killing weapon would have destroyed the evidence, which gives Liam a new idea.

Liam takes Dianna through a violent vortex to meet Roccurrem, the last surviving fate, whom Liam’s father once sheltered. Roccurrem speaks in riddles and says a being with silver blood erased the records, that Azrael had a master, and that the hidden texts were meant to preserve balance. Roccurrem also declares that Dianna was not truly resurrected in the ordinary sense: Dianna is Ig’Morruthen, an agent of death, fire, despair, and chaos who cannot die by normal means. Liam angrily defends Dianna when Roccurrem calls Dianna an abomination.

Roccurrem reveals that Liam is the Guardian connecting the forces seeking revenge, that Unir foresaw the end, and that Liam’s death will open the locked realms and return chaos. Roccurrem confirms that Liam’s nightmares are distorted visions of what is coming, then repeats the prophecy that one falls, one rises, and the end begins. Dianna rejects Roccurrem’s fatalism, but Roccurrem vanishes after warning Liam of a shuddering crack and the way the world ends.

Back in the library, Liam breaks down because the prophecy matches his dreams and because he chose Dianna’s life over retrieving Azrael’s Book. Liam’s power shakes the room as Liam spirals into guilt over Unir, Rashearim, Dianna’s death, and the war he believes is coming. Dianna pushes through Liam’s despair, insisting that Unir, Liam’s friends, and Dianna herself see Liam’s worth, and Dianna reframes Liam’s collapse as something like a panic attack. Liam admits that Dianna makes Liam feel normal and that Dianna is worth the terrible choice Liam made.

Dianna promises to stand beside Liam and help retrieve the book, and Liam admits he cannot do this without Dianna. Their emotional closeness turns intimate, and they nearly kiss despite knowing their roles as Guardian and Ig’Morruthen should make them enemies. Logan suddenly bursts in before anything happens and announces a new crisis: Neverra has been taken, and Gabby is missing.