Alptraum discovers he isn't walking away from the Shadow unscathed. The Shadow had infected his right hand with a 'Black Heart', a spiritual infection that changes the victim into a zombie slave. Fortunately Alptraum is able to fight it off and cut it out. His withered hand returns to normal, except that the fur doesn't regrow immediately as well. He worries that perhaps he isn't in the clear yet, but decides to eat dinner finally. Unfortunately, he's intercepted by Lilith and they have a talk about the future.