Mr. Ashveil confronts Rowan, accusing them of killing Kane and framing him. Rowan pleads for mercy, claiming they were forced, but Ashveil warns that Kane's death may have destabilized the land and endangered everyone nearby. The confrontation escalates as Ashveil demands the return of Kane's core, which Rowan claims to have hidden without keeping it for themselves. Rowan insists the real murderer is present, urging restraint, but Ashveil threatens to destroy the hall if the core and culprit are not revealed within two hours. The tense standoff ends with a dire ultimatum: failure to comply will result in the death of a child.