Alex regrets her choice to leave Turner during the interrogation and realizes her mistake in the basement of Black Elm. She encounters the Grays of Darlington’s parents, who reveal their son killed them and left behind the drained husk of another person as a warning. With no way to call for help, Alex guides the trapped Grays out of the basement despite the risks. They make their way upstairs.

While attempting to leave the house, Alex encounters Anselm, who informs her of the Lethe board’s punishment. Their argument is interrupted by loud booms from upstairs, and the ceiling collapses.

The ballroom floor collapses, sending Alex, Anselm, and Darlington tumbling. Darlington transforms into a menacing form and mentions an incomprehensible name. Fearing for Anselm’s safety, Alex tells him to run, and she summons her salt snakes. Anselm pleads with Alex to stop Darlington, offering a way to return her to Lethe, but he calls her by her last name, “Stern.” Only Darlington had referred to Alex by that moniker. Alex realizes that Anselm is Golgarot, the demon who came with Darlington from hell. Anselm/Golgarot reveals he has manipulated events to prevent Darlington’s return. Anselm/Golgarot confesses to killing Darlington’s parents and the real Anselm, who is the husk in the basement.