The clock strikes midnight, and Hal returns to Astrum Close on the brink of destruction. With the help of Maia, who has awoken from her slumber, he lays out his plans to stop the appalling incident at the Bureau. The city sinks into illusion, and the boundary between dream and reality fades. As the clocktower door opens, and the truth of 12 years ago is unveiled, the time for final judgement arrives.