The council shatters into open hostility. Chief Bako openly questions Ajani’s authority and Omolara’s humanity, accusing them of dooming the city. Omolara collapses under the shard’s torment, drifting near death as visions warn her Ajani may become Kael. Ajani resists the throne’s call to strike down dissenters, but Bako flees into the night, likely to ally with Kael. Oru is left broken—its greatest threat now festers from within.