#plotvid

After choosing to support Cassandra in the confrontation with Zhan Tiri and the other disciples, Varian does not come out of it unscathed. The curse Tromus bestowed upon Varian after his betrayal plagues him with unpleasant memories and tries to lure him into an eternal slumber with promises of his heart's wishes. Meanwhile Cass is trying to brew up an antidote for Varian to drive the dark magic out.

As Varian is sitting in jail he gets a visit from Sugracia. She tells him that they've been watching him and what he's been doing. When Varian hears about a spell that can 'destroy anything' he quickly agrees and breaks out of prison.

Back at his lab he gets introduced to Matthews/Tromus and Hector, who ever since the Great Tree debacle has been a sleeper agent for Zhan Tiri. He does not agree with the other two's plans however when he finds that their new target is both still a child and the son of a fellow brethren. Despite his own misgivings he seeks out Adira to warn her of what's going on.

Zhan Tiri tries to buddy up with Varian, telling him of the 'great alchemists' he encountered in the past, the great feats they did and that he's more than willing to teach him the same, when truly all he wants is for Varian to take his side before Demanitus has a chance to even meet up with him and turn Varian into another foe.

While Zhan Tiri is laying down his plans for Varian and trying to win him over, Rapunzel is plagued with nightmares again. When she seeks out Adira about their strange nature she clues her in on what is going on. Rapunzel decides that she has to put a stop to it.

Being a man of science, Varian has his issues with demonic deals and promises in general. It is when Zhan Tiri begins cracking the Amber that Varian's attention is caught. Zhan Tiri promises that he will free Quirin to its fullest when Varian goes through with his end of the deal: Get the Sundrop.

Sensing that Varian is about to commit a grave mistake, Rapunzel and her party (now including Demanitus, in Vigor's body who they'd sought out for advice) rush to catch up and stop him, but by the time she arrives, it's too late. Zhan Tiri commands Varian to attack them both. When Demanitus manages to elude him, he sends Rüdiger after him and proceeds to capture Rapunzel herself.

Back in his lab he confronts Rapunzel about the reverse incantation and guilt-trips her to use it on the amber. Rapunzel knows that she might very well lose control again and tries to change his mind, especially with Zhan Tiri present to harvest her powers, but they leave her no choice.