The next morning, Isla enters the throne room hopeful because she has revealed her powerlessness to Oro and survived. Since Oro promised her power if they found the heart, and the oracle has revealed it is on Moon Isle, Isla believes they are close to saving Terra and the Wildlings.

Oro gathers the rulers for an update. Isla feels less afraid despite the new permission to kill because she believes she has Oro, Celeste, and Grim as allies. Cleo, Celeste, Azul, and Grim arrive, each wary and ready for attack.

Oro tells the rulers that he and Isla have been searching for a relic that may have caused the curses five hundred years ago. He reveals that the relic was likely infused with Nightshade power, shocking Isla because Oro had not warned her he would disclose so much. Azul questions Grim, who confirms such a relic could exist if an old Nightshade ruler sacrificed enough power to create it.

When Azul suggests everyone search for the relic, Oro refuses, saying they cannot risk all their efforts on one possibility while Lightlark is decaying. Oro shows the spreading bluish-gray corruption on his body, then announces a change in Centennial matches. He pairs himself with Cleo to search Moon Isle, pairs Azul with Celeste, and leaves Isla matched with Grim.

Isla realizes Oro has used her until she became inconvenient. Because the heart is on Moon Isle, Oro has chosen Cleo instead, confirming Isla's fear that his first loyalty is to his people and the curses. When Cleo suspects the change might be a trick, Oro publicly reveals Isla's secret: Isla has no powers.

Isla understands too late that the oracle's warning about lies and liars applied to Oro. Cleo begins to advance on Isla, recognizing that Isla is exposed and defenseless. Before any ruler can attack, Grim takes Isla's hand and removes them both from the throne room.