In the underground necropolis, the Valg creature inside Princess Duva confronts Chaol, Yrene, and the bound Hafiza. Chaol studies the chamber for weapons and escape routes while Duva makes the stakes clear: Chaol and Yrene must choose between saving Duva, Hafiza, or Yrene.

Duva explains how the possession happened. Perrington sent a wedding ring hiding Wyrdstone, and when Duva put it on during her vows, the Valg took hold. Duva admits she destroyed the Torre’s books, killed Princess Tumelun after Tumelun grew suspicious, and used Duva’s harmless reputation and pregnancy as protection.

Duva reveals Erawan’s true purpose: he sent the Valg to Antica to find a healer with rare gifts who could threaten the Valg. The ancient Fae who founded the Torre had bred healing magic into the land as a defense against Erawan, and Yrene is identified as Silba’s Heir. Duva says Erawan wants Yrene alive and intends to bring her to Morath, using Hafiza’s life to force Yrene to accept a Wyrdstone ring.

Before Duva can proceed, Hafiza throws herself, still tied to the throne, down the dais and into Duva. Chaol and Yrene pull the injured Hafiza away, but Duva rises, bleeding black blood. Chaol silently signals Yrene to run with Hafiza, knowing he cannot willingly harm Duva because of the unborn child.

As Yrene drags Hafiza toward the stairs, Duva attacks Chaol with dark power. Chaol uses the chamber’s statues and then an ancient mirror to deflect the magic, accidentally blasting Duva into a sarcophagus. When Yrene rushes to try to heal and purge Duva, the princess feigns defeat and attacks; Chaol throws himself between Duva and Yrene, taking the full force of the Valg blast with his unprotected back.