Chapter 74

Carl and Imani await Imogen's arrival for the Butcher's Masquerade ritual, but Signet—Imogen's sister and a major enemy—unexpectedly appears as one of Apito's chosen guests. Signet recognizes the three judges as off-worlders controlling the event and seeks to engage them in conversation, complicating Carl's plans.

Carl and Imani discuss their anxiety about the ritual's unpredictability, particularly Imogen's tendency to eliminate her greatest threats first. When Signet arrives, she explains that Apito herself invited her and that she has grown tired of running from her sister. Signet notes the irony of being in the same room with Imogen while protected by the Butcher's Masquerade seal, making her temporarily untouchable. Carl attempts to redirect her attention by asking about the promised boon and explaining that the three judges are off-worlders from an outside world controlling the event as entertainment. Signet becomes fascinated by this revelation, observes that the judges' auras are strange, and moves toward them to initiate a conversation. Her tattoos visibly orient toward the judges as well. Zev reacts with exasperation at this development.