The penultimate chapter of the series commences with Pampinea fleeing through the gardens under the cloak of night, her heels pounding the earth as Sirisco's relentless pursuit echoes behind her, branding her a witch for her attempted stake-burning of Stratilia. As she dives into the shadows of the villa, Sirisco and his newly assembled entourage embark on a relentless hunt, their quarry ever elusive.
Within the villa's confines, Filomena and Misia's paths miraculously converge after days of separation. Misia confides in Filomena, her voice laden with guilt, revealing that she had ended Ruggiero's life at Pampinea's bidding. Filomena, quick-witted and insightful, urges her friend to see through the veil of manipulation, urging her to break free from Pampinea's enchanting grasp.
Meanwhile, Stratilia, her resolve steeled, confronts Jacopo with the decision to abandon the villa's turmoil and deceit, seeking solace far from its treacherous halls. Her son, however, hesitates, his heart bound to Tindaro, whom he declares his newfound friend. Tindaro, undeterred, presses his suit once more, only to be firmly rejected by Stratilia, who declares her independence from both him and his wealth.
As Stratilia and Jacopo prepare to depart, Licisca's plea for aid interrupts their packing, the arrow still lodged in her thigh a constant reminder of her ordeal. Shock ripples through her when Stratilia reveals that Dioneo, whom she had summoned, succumbed to the plague during her absence. With compassion, Stratilia takes matters into her own hands, extracting the arrow and tenderly bandaging Licisca's wound.
As the two women share their tales of heartbreak over Tindaro, a bond of camaraderie forms amidst their shared misfortunes. Licisca confesses that her engagement to Tindaro was but a charade, devoid of any genuine affection. Stratilia echoes this sentiment, admitting her own lack of love for him. Little do they know, their words have fallen upon ears unintended, as Tindaro, having overheard every word, retreats to his chamber, his heart heavy. There, he concocts a potion, intent on ending his own life, consumed by the realization of his unrequited love.
Elsewhere, amidst the chaos, Filomena and Misia share their heartfelt sentiments with each other, their souls intertwining as they find solace in each other's arms, slumbering intimately in the heart of the kitchen, unaware of the silent observer within. Pampinea, the elusive figure whom all seek, lurks hidden in a trunk, every moment of their intimacy witnessed through a narrow slit, fueling her resentment as her grip on Misia's affections begins to slip.
As the women gather, a bond forged amidst adversity, they pledge to reunite in Florence's embrace once the Black Death's shadow has lifted. Yet, Pampinea's anger simmers, her jealousy burning bright at the thought of her influence waning.
Meanwhile, Stratilia and Jacopo stand on the cusp of departure, but Jacopo's words, like daggers to the wind, challenge their impending retreat. He queries the wisdom of flight when this villa once echoed with the laughter of his father. Stratilia's heart shifts, and she recognizes the truth: they must reclaim what is rightfully theirs, not flee in fear. With renewed vigor, they stride back into the villa, Stratilia's eyes gleaming as she dons Pampinea's finery, proclaiming her newfound status as the mistress of this house.
Panfilo, still grieving the loss of his beloved Neifile, stumbles upon Tindaro, sprawled lifeless on the stairs, his failed attempt at self-destruction a grotesque testament to his despair. Their encounter escalates into a heated debate over solitude's depths, ultimately erupting into a fierce battle. In the end, Panfilo emerges victorious, his steps heavy with sorrow as he abandons the scene, leaving Licisca, her leg still tender from the arrow's removal, to tend to her former betrothed.
And once again, Filomena and Misia find solace in each other's embrace, their love story playing out in secret, as Pampinea's eyes, hidden in the shadows, bear witness to every tender moment.
