Jeanne says something that strikes fear into Vanitas. Lord Ruthven makes Noé swear an oath. Olivier is at his wits' end over Roland's obsession. Noé has a consuming thirst. Vanitas hears a certain monster has returned and sets out with Noé to investigate.

Vanitas and Noé travel to Gévaudan in search of a creature known as the Beast, but things go sideways when they encounter a murderous paladin, a hostile acquaintance, and an old nemesis. Will our heroes survive these threats, not to mention the Beast?

Noé learns Naenia took Chloé's true name. Chloé's past and the d'Apchiers' history come to light, including her friendship with Jeanne, the Alteration Engine, and Ruthven's friendship with Chloé, which he shattered by trying to take the engine research.

Chloé reveals why she wants to kill Naenia. After Naenia's true nature is revealed and Chloé's malnomen is triggered, Vanitas and Noé scramble to save Gévaudan with some unexpected help. A Church cover-up comes to light along with Jeanne's dark past.

Vanitas identifies Chloé's malnomen. Astolfo's hatred spirals out of control. Chloé must choose between annihilation and a dismal life. Vanitas remembers he doesn't have to be alone, but is it too late? Will our heroes save Gévaudan and themselves?

Noé begs Count Orlok to save Vanitas from a strange ailment. Vanitas bumps into Roland and asks him about love "for a friend." Jeanne confides in Luca to his dismay. Dominque seems strangely obsessed with Noé. Noé tells Vanitas he is glad they met.

As Noé sucks Mikhail's blood, he gets a glimpse of the latter's past with Vanitas. Details emerge about Vanitas's parents, his history with the Vampire of the Blue Moon, and the experiments he endured. Mikhail is delighted when Vanitas comes to save Noé.

Mikhail tells Vanitas what he wants. Noé and Vanitas clash. Details emerge about why Vanitas shuns others and doesn't want them to peer into his memories. Dominique's life is on the razor's edge. Noé says he can't do the one thing Vanitas

Mikhail pleads with Vanitas to join him. Dominque comes to terms with her inner self. Mikhail unleashes terror on his foes, but the book exacts a toll. An unexpected figure appears amid the ruins. Vanitas mends fences with Noé and parts ways with Mikhail.