Darrow retrieves the bomb from under Augustus’s table then calls for a duel against Cassius. Octavia accepts, declaring it a fight to the death. Darrow argues he is fighting for Augustus’s honor rather than Mustang’s love. He can get revenge for the death of Claudius (Augustus’s son) and help Augustus maintain favor with Octavia. Darrow cuts his face, and Augustus offers his blessing and smears Darrow’s blood under his own eye. Mustang talks to Darrow, calling him unrecognizable and insane. She criticizes him for not trusting that she plans to use Cassius. She says she will ask Octavia to end the duel before Cassius kills him.

Cassius and Darrow trade insults, demoralizing each other before commencing their duel, with Cassius dominating until Darrow reveals he secretly trained under Lorn au Arcos—the previous Rage Knight of the Olympic Knights sworn to protect the Society. Darrow overpowers Cassius and taunts the Bellona family. Octavia stops the fight, exposing her favoritism for the Bellonas. When Octavia says the duel may end in surrender, Augustus challenges, claiming that the law states rules cannot be changed during a duel, which Daxo and Kavax au Telemanus second. Octavia argues her word is law, but in doing so, she oversteps the bounds of her position.