Vanitas and Jeanne's "encounter" during their battle in Paris comes to light. Vanitas offers to keep Jeanne's secret on two conditions. Noé and Vanitas prepare to meet Lord Ruthven. Noé ponders the meaning of love, but Domi throws a wrench into the works.

Dominique offers Jeanne advice. Jeanne surprises Vanitas with an invitation, and Dominique shadows them. Noé encounters Lord Ruthven, but after their previous meeting, he doesn't know what to expect. Jeanne keeps her promise, and Vanitas makes one to her.

Noé unwilling taps into Jean-Jacques memories and learns what happened to him and how he befriended Chloé. The Beast's true identity and the vast conspiracy behind it also come to light. Vanitas tries to stop Chloé from activating the Alteration Engine.

Noé springs into action after he receives a disturbing letter. Details about Domi and Louis' past, as well as Mikhail's past, come to light. Vanitas is alarmed to hear of Mikhail's return. Noé confronts Mikhail but is forced to do as he asks.

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 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.