Hilda faces pressure to choose a reward but hesitates, leading Professor Finn to postpone the decision until she’s ready. The next day, on Christmas Eve, the city plunges into deadly cold and power failures, leaving those outside vulnerable. Hilda’s safe house remains warm thanks to backup systems. While relaxing inside, she receives a desperate video call from Paul and Erica, who are freezing outside with her ashen-faced parents urging her to return immediately. The episode ends with Hilda caught between safety and the urgent demands of her family battling the harsh conditions.