Leto rests on his tower balcony while awaiting the arrival of Malky, reflecting on the coming wedding to Hwi Noree and the disruptive shadows of his past. Moneo expresses deep concern over Leto bringing Malky to the citadel, particularly after Anteac and the Fish Speakers attacked Malky's hidden refuge. Leto discusses the Ixian concealed device and hints at broader secrets involving Hwi Noree, leading Moneo to feel deeply unsettled and excluded as the two men exchange old memories and barbed remarks.
Malky reveals that Hwi was created using cells from his own body within a no-room designed to evade Leto's foresight, causing Moneo to react with intense shock and demand to halt the wedding. Leto dismisses Moneo's protests, asserting the necessity of the Golden Path while contemplating the nature of memory, anguish, and truth. He then demands absolute secrecy from Moneo regarding everything discussed in the chamber.
Recognizing the danger Malky presents, Leto withdraws to the far side of the room and leaves the fate of the prisoner to his majordomo. Moneo swiftly eliminates Malky with a lethal blow and pushes the litter over the balcony rail into the darkness below. Leto contemplates the finality of the act and his own profound isolation as Moneo gazes down into the silent night.