Chapter 45

Leto broods on delays to his wedding with Hwi Noree and watches storm signs over the Sareer, reflecting on theater, memory, and solitude. With Moneo attending him, Leto reveals that a Guild lighter will secretly deliver Hwi’s uncle, Malky, whose capture involved violent clashes.

Leto informs Moneo that Reverend Mother Anteac died delaying forces while Fish Speakers seized Malky. He warns that the Ixian no-room device—once used to hide records—has been improved and its secret widely dispersed, creating new dangers he intends to exploit. Leto also insists Nayla must continue absolute obedience to Siona, despite Moneo’s fears, and asks about Duncan Idaho’s influence on the Museum Fremen.

Malky arrives injured and taunting. In a tense exchange, Malky admits that Hwi was engineered in a no-room from a few of his cells to be his opposite, with Tleilaxu knowledge but Ixian concealment. Leto confirms this matches his suspicions yet refuses to cancel the wedding, binding Moneo to secrecy.

Leto confides he cannot kill Malky for reasons of old admiration, but that Malky must be eliminated. He withdraws, allowing Moneo to act. After a brief struggle, Moneo kills Malky and disposes of the body over the balcony. Leto accepts the cost in silence, reaffirming his isolation and commitment to the Golden Path.