Chapter 59: Darrow: Athena

Summary

• Darrow awakes chained in a room, disoriented, missing his weapon, Bad Lass, and Pax's key.
• He's confronted by a woman with dark red hair and artificial, seven-fingered hands, who informs him that Sevro is safe and the others are alive.
• The woman reveals that while she is biologically Red, she does not identify with Gold Society's labels and has had a life of hardship.
• Darrow is in a room similar to one where he was previously beaten, and he learns that this is a place where others were murdered by the Krypteia.
• The woman confirms Darrow and the Raa will be tried, and if found guilty, they will be executed.
• Darrow tries to appeal to their common Red background, but the woman rejects the societal label imposed on her.
• She introduces her weapon, Pyrphoros, and reads the Forbidden Song inscribed on it, suggesting it's meant for Darrow.
• The woman hints that a shift in power is imminent once the Ascomanni have left.
• Darrow is told he cannot hide behind his role as the leader of the Republic, and the woman shows disdain for the unseen sacrifices of those who believed in him.
• Before leaving, she returns Pax's key and neck chain to Darrow, originally mistaking them for something of significance.
• Darrow reflects on his past actions with regret, wishing he had fought back earlier.
• He faces his guilt through a holocube left by the woman, which shows the executions of those he betrayed.
• Darrow realizes the gravity of his past decisions and the unwavering loyalty of the executed despite their lack of advantages.
• The betrayed called out Darrow's name, not Ares's or Eo's, as they faced death.