Louis reports that the sluggalos have abandoned their pursuit of Prepotente and are joyriding with a cart in a field north of the castle. Because their original plan depended on the slugs entering first and triggering traps, Carl worries when Imani, Elle, and several strippers proceed toward the castle without that expendable buffer. Carl tells the infiltrators to run if they meet strong resistance and keeps Louis ready for extraction.

Nearby, Katia and Bautista argue privately through chat until Katia aloud refuses whatever Bautista is urging. Katia begins transforming into a mantaur for the coming phase of the plan, while Samantha needles Bautista with grotesque relationship advice. Carl notices Bautista's distress, and Katia explains that Bautista fears the plan is too risky and wants Katia to eat the flower now.

Katia reveals a deeper fear: Bautista believes Carl might turn on Katia to take the flower for Donut if the plan fails. Carl insists that he would never do that and that Donut would not allow it. Katia trusts Carl, but privately tells Carl that if events force the choice, Katia will willingly give him the flower so Donut can continue to the twelfth floor, then hugs Carl while Bautista watches.

Imani and Elle enter the castle and encounter guards but no nagas. Imani then uses Carl's borrowed Tripper spell, causing Carl a painful jolt as traps detonate inside. The chapter explains that Imani gained the spell through a permanent tattoo made with toraline yam ink and Carl's blood, allowing Imani to borrow a fading version of Carl's spell because she could not wear the item that normally grants it.

Donut complains about the tattoo's style and cost, but Carl recognizes that Donut's irritation masks guilt because the entire dangerous effort is tied to saving Donut from the consequences of wearing the tiara. The tattoo discussion ends when Katia spots Prepotente, now arriving in goat-dragon form, bringing the next stage of the assault closer.