Touko and Kouji follow a treefolk child into a forbidden area of the capital, where they make a startling discovery. But the spies of the gods are hot on their heels.

With the fighting continuing unabated, the treefolk from the forbidden quarter are drawn to the surface, where they encounter a familiar face.

Koushi finally reunites with Hinako. They set out for the palace, but their path brings them face to face with the last of the capital's treefolk. Meanwhile, Touko and Akira encounter a familiar face of their own.

Takimi confronts Koushi on the palace steps. The medically minded god insists that only his medicine can save Hinako, but Koushi refuses to let his sister suffer any more experiments. As tensions mount, Kira appears—seeming not quite herself.

Yuoshichi is on the rampage, seeking revenge against the divine clans, but with the Flickering Flame now residing within his own daughter, what lengths will he go to in order to achieve his ultimate goal?