Golden Son

Darrow is taken to Luna. The Bellona family has placed an unofficial bounty on Darrow’s head, and rumors state that Julian’s mother, Julia, is on a hunger strike until her family delivers Darrow’s heart to her. Darrow thinks back to his time in the Institute when his mission felt easier. Mustang had asked him not to attend the Academy, but he did not listen to her. He had requested his friend, Sevro, join him at the Academy, but Sevro was reassigned to Pluto with his group of fighters, the Howlers. Roque wants to buy Darrow’s contract but feels his family will not go against Augustus. Darrow lies and pretends he is not worried.

Darrow dislikes Luna for its heavy air and low gravity; the buildings stretch high into the sky, and people pull themselves across rungs running between them. Darrow asks Roque to practice kravat, a fictional martial art, but Roque is attending a conference. A Pink man takes Darrow to his room, which Darrow complains is too small. Theodora talks to the Pink, who first criticizes Theodora for her boldness then feels ashamed once he discovers Theodora had been a Rose—a highly valued Pink. A messenger summons Darrow to meet with Victra.