Mial is killed by Loluka, but a highly upset Junas blames Malius for this crime. Malius stabs Junas in the chest, not long before some Mongauli white knights bear witness. On the day of the wedding, Norisse is apparently assassinated by Astrias, much to Amnelis's grievance. Loluka wants Malius to return to Crystal, but Malius decides to choose his own path. Amnelis is informed of Mial's death, urging her to depart from the palace for good. Norisse, revealed to still be alive, helps Atrias escape from prison. All of what has been happening is an elaborate plan by Norisse and his followers in order to hasten the recapturing of Crystal and the liberation of Parros.