Lira reflects on the coming battle. Callum has confessed that he knew Brooker was alive; she feels betrayed by them both, but she understands that they needed to put the rebellion above personal considerations. She reviews secret evidence of her father’s corruption, which she has been gathering for years, ready for her fight to be over.

Jameson helps Cardinal residents hide in secure shelters, safe from the Heart’s attacks. Though the idea of Shadera facing the Vow ceremony makes him furious, he focuses on his task. The rebels move toward the Heart. Jameson vows to keep Shadera alive.

Veyra, led by Mikel and Maximus, enter Greyson’s cell. Maximus reminds Greyson that if he doesn’t cooperate with the Vow ceremony, including the public consummation, thousands will die. Greyson is horrified to see how badly Shadera has been beaten while he was ignored. She can barely walk as they go back to their apartment.

Shadera avoids Greyson’s gaze, unable to bear his hatred. She is too injured to clean herself. When Greyson comes to help her, she sobs her apology for her inadvertent role in (supposedly) killing his brother. Greyson helps her without comment, though he doesn’t offer forgiveness. Internally, he regrets speaking cruelly to her when he learned she allegedly killed Brooker. He is distressed both by Shadera’s recent injuries and the scars that indicate how much violence she has faced in her life. He dwells on the complex emotions he feels toward her as he leaves her. He vows to kill those who hurt her.

Callum gathers information and weapons in his office. He surveils the Vow ceremony site, where Daggermouths hide, disguised as Veyra soldiers. He coordinates with Mikel and Jaeger, feeling guilty about how he has kept Brooker’s survival from Greyson. Jameson gets in place with his rebels, and Lira confirms that media drones are ready. Lira and Callum assert their love for one another. Callum worries that their progress is too smooth.

Shadera dresses in a revealing white gown and her mask. She finds a note from Lira advising her that she can trust Mikel. Lira chose the dress to reveal Maximus’s brutality. Greyson received a similar note from Lira. He is shaken by the realization that he wants to marry Shadera. Greyson reveals a hidden cache of weapons. The pair take comfort in joking about who will kill Maximus first. Mikel urges them to take as many weapons as possible.

Lira moves through the crowd toward the Vow platform. Via a communication device, she tells Callum that the Vow ceremony doesn’t just include a public consummation; Maximus and several loyal men plan to rape Shadera. She apologizes for not telling him of her plan to stop this, then hangs up as he begs her for more information. Lira stands near her parents as Greyson and Shadera enter the plaza, and the ceremony begins.

Callum, terrified for Lira, panics when he finds himself unable to hack the security systems. Kestrel similarly cannot turn off the power, which limits Jameson’s team. Kestrel was going to help Lira release the documents that show Maximus’s evil. They realize Lira is the one prohibiting their access to the system. Callum urges Kestrel to destroy the power grid.

Greyson and Shadera are pronounced husband and wife. A veil covers them briefly, and though they are meant to have their masks replaced before it lifts, they are still bare faced when they’re revealed to the plaza. Lira removes her mask as well, followed by hundreds of women, many of whom show scars from years of domestic violence. Lira declares on their behalf that they are reclaiming their power.

Callum, watching on camera, fears that Lira will be killed for her actions. He races to reach her, frantically trying to contact anyone from the rebellion. When Veyra soldiers try to stop him, he fights his way past them.

Shadera points a gun at Maximus’s head as he stalks toward Lira. When a Veyra tries to shoot Greyson, Mikel kills the soldier, then aims at Maximus. Maximus taunts that he knew about all their betrayals except for Lira’s plan with the women. He reports that the rebels have all been kidnapped. Lira shocks Greyson by revealing that Brooker is alive. Maximus orders the people to leave the plaza. They obey, except for those who are part of Lira’s group.

Maximus claims that Brooker is a double agent, secretly working to undermine the revolution. Brooker appears, holding a gun to Callum’s head. He confirms that he conspired with Maximus to get Shadera to the Heart, as her connections to Jaeger and Jameson would help unravel the rebellion. He also reveals that Mikel is Greyson’s father. Shots erupt. Brooker kills Callum. Veyra drag Lira away. Maximus prepares to fire at Greyson.

Mikel jumps in front of the bullet meant for Greyson. Elara screams, thinking of how she has failed those she loves. She grabs Mikel’s gun and reveals that she is Python, the leader who helped organize the rebellion. She shoots Maximus, killing him.