Astrid and the companions' efforts to rescue Denes from Salamander's clutches and expose his crimes.

In the chaotic palace kitchen, Griffin—overwhelmed by the pressure of preparing meals amid political instability—publicly undermines Victoria’s confidence by dismissing her culinary knowledge and assigning her menial tasks. His sarcastic …

Astrid executes a desperate rescue of Denes by incapacitating Janos, but the Captain intervenes, fatally shooting Denes in the back as he attempts to escape. Victoria’s improvised distraction—a trolley rammed …