Held captive in Valerius's tent, Ildico faces a psychological battle. Valerius coldly confirms he knows Ernak is Attila's son, labeling the infant a 'loose end' that Rome must eliminate. He offers her a cruel bargain: her life for the child's. As he speaks, Ildico has a warm-hued flashback to her brutal training under him, remembering the skills he taught her about deception and survival. Her inner monologue shifts from despair to resolve. While pretending to be broken, she begins to subtly scan the tent for weaknesses and potential weapons, formulating a plan. Valerius, believing he has broken her, turns his back, and Ildico's expression hardens into one of cold, deadly purpose.