The Darklands

Hank reveals he's been watching Petro since arrival. Knew immediately: the boy from massacre. Hank's story: survived, power manifested, hunted, found Citadel, became Mithras priest. Debate about responsibility and causation. "We were children. Trauma broke us both. I became symbol of resistance.

Petro and Sir Martin arrive in Millhaven and confirm the corruption pattern through land records. They confront Deacon Aldwin at the parish church, seeing through his rehearsed accusations. Meeting the miller Thomas Brennan, they learn about his son Marcus's healing gift.

Lucas Chen delivers a eulogy at Kate Morrison's memorial service, drawing parallels between her sacrifice and the lineage of portal closers throughout history. He shares a journal from his ancestor and recalls how Kate understood the burden she would carry.

Petro alone drinking stolen wine. Wrestling with everything learned. Sees golden sun amulet - realizes he took it from burning priest who executed innocents and nearly killed Suzanne. Realizes: Petro became that priest. Executing innocents with absolute certainty.

Chelsea Park, overwhelmed by grief, steals a transport ship and travels to the nexus coordinates where Kate disappeared, searching for any trace of the girl she raised.

Petro encounters survivor who escaped one of his hunts years ago. Survivor recognizes him: "You killed my sister." Petro frozen and caught. Survivor doesn't attack but questions why he's there. Tells story of sister executed by Petro without mercy. Survivor found peace at Citadel.

Petro receives a summons from Inquisitor General Malchus and learns of a mission to Millhaven involving a magical child. He investigates property records at the Citadel archives, discovering a denied land petition that mirrors the corruption pattern Suzanne has been documenting.

Nigel Rhodes analyzes the dimensional data and discovers that Kate Morrison didn't die but transformed into the dimensional barrier itself, becoming the seal that holds back the Hollowing.

Petro observes children learning magic control with Teacher Lydia. Sees Cara (assault survivor like Elara). Lydia reveals her daughter was executed at age 7. Petro begins questioning his past actions.