Episode 4 of "Dune: Prophecy" kicks off with Emeline being tormented by a harrowing nightmare, unaware that she is not alone in her slumbering terror. The other Acolytes are also experiencing nightmares, and Emeline narrowly escapes self-harm after witnessing a haunting vision of herself with a gaping wound across her throat.
In a desperate attempt to uncover the truth behind the former Mother Superior's demise, Emeline employs Truthsense on Tula, but to no avail. The search for answers is intense, and the fragile equilibrium of their world teeters on the brink of collapse. Recognizing this perilous situation, Tula takes a bold step: she permits the Acolytes to ingest Spice, hoping it will reveal the meaning behind their troubling visions.
As the Spice takes effect, the Acolytes sketch out clues, which Tula painstakingly deciphers that night. She deciphers the intricate spirals and markings as representations of Shai-Hulud. Yet, a far more ominous vision emerges—glowing orbs resembling eyes, foreshadowing a calamity that strikes fear into the hearts of all, awakening them from their troubled slumbers.
Elsewhere, Valya returns to her family home, greeted with a chilly reception from her Great-uncle. He holds her responsible for Pruwet's death and scorns her efforts to elevate House Harkonnen from its depressed state. However, Harrow's decision holds sway, and he, a boy yearning for respect, becomes Valya's pawn. She seduces him with the promise of the Mother Superior's position as his Truthsayer, a move that could vault their house to unprecedented heights of respect and power, including a seat on the High Council.
While this dinner unfolds, another gathers outside, where Ynez joins her family, including Desmond. She voices her concerns about Pruwet's murder and her desire to flee to Wallach IX, deeming this planet unsafe. Her parents, believing in the need for unity, refuse her plea. In this tense moment, Ynez realizes that Desmond is Pruwet's killer, convinced that his presence is a barrier to familial unity.
As Ynez storms off, Desmond speaks privately with the Emperor, urging him to wield a certain individual as a weapon. The Emperor, however, declines for now. Nevertheless, ripples of unrest are stirring throughout the town. Keiran and his fellow rebels acquire a thinking machine, a miniature aircraft intended to serve as a deadly weapon against the Emperor. Their plan is to sneak it through the vents and detonate it during the Emperor's High Council appearance. With the grates ready to be unleashed, the moment the Emperor steps into view will mark the beginning of a full-fledged rebellion.
Of course, Sister Mikaela is also present, cloaked in the shadows of espionage. News of the ongoing rebellion filters through to Valya, who remains unperturbed by the turmoil and actually embraces it. She perceives this as an opportune moment to stage a dramatic rescue of the Emperor's life, in full public view, thereby regaining his favor and reestablishing the Sisters' presence in the throne room. With this as her springboard, she intends to dismantle Desmond's influence and expose him as a traitor.
Yet another intricate piece of the puzzle lies in installing Harrow onto the Council. To achieve this, Valya orchestrates a cunning maneuver, mobilizing the Sisters to fan the flames of rumors surrounding Pruwet's demise and plant seeds of suspicion among the empire's most influential leaders. With House Richese absent from the High Council, House Harkonnen stands poised to ascend—but only on one condition: Harrow must boldly accuse the Emperor of Pruwet's murder in front of everyone. This audacious strategy embodies Valya's dual-pronged approach to vanquish two adversaries with a single stroke.
Meanwhile, the Empress conveys intelligence about the rebellion to Desmond, urging him to lend it a subtle push—a request that troubles the Emperor greatly. Positioned as the empire's enforcement arm, Desmond prepares the troops for any potential uprising by Machine Sympathizers.
However, Ynez harbors secret intentions. She confers with her brother, pondering whether they should betray their father and orchestrate Desmond's exit. This entails presenting their knowledge to the Landsraad, a move that echoes Harrow's bold strategy.
Amidst the shadowy maneuvering and whispered conspiracies that permeated the hall, the High Council reluctantly proceeded. Our entire roster of players was present, with Keiran scrambling to the rear, eager to unleash the hidden grates. Meanwhile, Harrow rose to his feet, delivering a trembling yet unwavering accusation against the Emperor. Ynez, too, lent her voice to this indictment, turning her focus on Desmond.
Keiran hesitated, reluctant to unleash the Machine upon the Council, as he was stunned by Desmond's sudden declaration. Desmond stepped forward, confessing to Pruwet's murder but recasting it as a justified execution for using forbidden machine technology. In his hand, he clutched the detonating Machine, which he promptly destroyed, emphasizing that the rebels needed to be brought under control (much like the one currently paraded before the Council, bound and helpless). His solution? To stand with the Emperor.
This turn of events was far from what Valya had anticipated. With a flick of his wrist, Desmond demonstrated his formidable power, incinerating all the Machine Sympathizers before everyone's eyes. Like Pruwet, they burned as a stark display of his authority. The act exacted a heavy toll on Desmond as well, with bloodstains marking his back and a look of visible distress etched on his face. Yet, as he departed, his piercing gaze fixed on Valya.
Valya manages to procure a sample of her own blood, entrusting it to Tula to analyze through the advanced system, determined to uncover her true identity. Upon her return to her "home," she witnesses her Great Uncle pass away right before her eyes. As she stands there, mourning, her deceased brother Griffin materializes in the doorway. Valya warmly embraces the apparition, and he vows to stand by her side. However, as Griffin drifts away, Valya turns her gratitude towards Theo, who subtly transforms his visage into one of the Sisters, leaving her mystified.
Meanwhile, turmoil erupts once again on Wallach IX. Emeline confronts Tula, accusing her of murdering Dorotea and insisting that justice must be served. With the intention of exposing the truth, Emeline turns away, but before she can take another step, Tula lunges forward and slits her throat in a brutal, yet expertly executed maneuver—a moment that was cleverly telegraphed earlier in the episode through a haunting vision.
Yet, the surprises do not cease. Emerging from the shadows, Lila strides forward, having been miraculously resurrected, her presence adding yet another layer of complexity to the unfolding drama.
