Torn between her duty as the Guardian of Balance and her compassion for the innocent boy, Ayame faces an impossible choice. She knows the dangers of The Devourer's influence and how easily darkness can spread. But seeing Haru's fear and the toll the mark is taking on him, she resolves to undergo the ritual. She refuses to let an innocent suffer for the mistakes of the past.

As Ayame prepares to transfer the mark, Haru pleads with her, telling her that he doesn't want her to suffer for his sake. He would rather fight the darkness himself than see her burdened with it. The exchange between them is heart-wrenching, filled with uncertainty about whether either of them will survive the ritual.