After a stormy approach to Europa, Lyria’s group lands on a solar-farm island. Cassius banters with Lyria, warns her about the Obsidians, and, after a tender farewell, stays topside with the Archimedes as the rest head for Helisson, Athena’s hidden stronghold.

Heavily armed Red troopers under Cheon receive them. An Orange handler trades the Ares–Athena rite, and Diomedes is mocked and spat upon. The party boards a battered submarine, passing slain Grays bearing Cyaxares’s sigil. During a tense descent through bioluminescent depths toward fortified docks, Lyria and Aurae quietly question Cheon’s temperament.

At the dock, Lyria spots manacles outside. Cheon reveals ceronocyne has been deployed—formulated for Golds—making Darrow, Sevro, and Diomedes drowsy as restraints cinch tight. Lyria’s attempt to draw a pistol is thwarted. Cheon’s Reds rummage Darrow’s bag and heft a heavy black helmet. Accusing Darrow of unforgivable betrayals, Cheon strikes him.

Aurae slips her restraints, fires warning shots, and condemns the brutality. Cheon taunts her—then Athena arrives, orders Cheon disarmed and removed, and declares the assault “not who we are.” Athena warmly hails Aurae as her bravest daughter and praises her for bringing all she asked for, and more.

Feeling betrayed, Lyria curses Aurae. Athena answers for them both: this is justice, revealing that Aurae has delivered the captives into Athena’s power.