The third installment of The Sandman Season 2 kicks off with Lucienne logically positing that Azazel, being a native of Hell, stands as the optimal candidate for its reign. However, Morpheus sternly rejects this notion, citing Azazel's insatiable greed and untrustworthiness. Meanwhile, Nuala, troubled by Cluracan's incessant romantic escapades, finds herself unable to rest and ventures out for a nocturnal stroll. During her walk, she crosses paths with Morpheus, and a profound conversation ensues about the dilemmas of making impossible choices. Recalling an earlier instance where Morpheus mended the strained relations between himself and the fae after displeasing Queen Titania, she expresses confidence in his ability to devise a solution once more.
The narrative then takes us back to 1593, where Morpheus enlists the talents of William Shakespeare to pen a comedic piece centered around the fae, giving birth to the timeless classic, 'A Midsummer Night's Dream.' An exclusive premiere is arranged solely for the fae, who are thoroughly captivated by the production. Later, Morpheus elucidates that the play serves as the fae's eternal legacy, ensuring they are forever etched in the annals of history. Titania, albeit with some reservation from King Auberon who fails to see its worth, gracefully accepts this token of appreciation.
Switching back to the present, Nuala reveals a keen understanding of Morpheus' underlying intentions. She acknowledges how he cleverly made Titania confront her own shortcomings, mirroring a similar approach he intends to employ with those who underestimate him. As dawn breaks, all gather in anticipation of Morpheus' decision. He commences with a solemn preamble, emphasizing the necessity of a just ruler for Hell, which he likens as a reflection of Heaven. Consequently, he entrusts the key to the angels, instructing them to present it to God.
Subsequently, Morpheus asserts that all his guests, including Nada, are under his protective aegis. Leveraging this authority, he frees Nada while simultaneously ensnaring Azazel. This demonstration of unassailable power compels the attendees to submit to Morpheus' ruling.
He then personally took his leave of each one, bidding them farewell. Kilderkin acceded to his decision with a heavy heart, while Chaos unveiled her true aspiration—a ruler who metes out justice with an unwavering hand. Merkin expressed his profound gratitude to Morpheus for extending mercy to Azazel. Odin, with open arms, welcomed Morpheus into his realm just as Thor embarked on yet another mission to recount Loki's confinement.
Before Cluracan departed, he imparted a revelation: Nuala was Titania's gift to Morpheus, a token of her favor. He issued a stern warning to both Nuala and Morpheus, cautioning them of the dire consequences should they defy Titania's will. Distressed by this betrayal, Nuala rejected Cluracan's olive branch of negotiation, especially after Morpheus announced the abolition of the tithe.
Yet, not all had departed. Loki, in disguise as Susano-O-No-Mikoto, had outwitted Thor into imprisoning the sea god. As his honored guest, Morpheus proposed a clever ruse—planting a decoy to secure the freedom of both Susano and Loki. Though annoyed, Loki, recognizing his debt to Morpheus, reluctantly agreed.
In the end, Morpheus paid a visit to Lucifer, who was pleasantly astonished by the loophole they had discovered. They confessed that their discontent had never been directed at Morpheus but rather at God. They inquired about Nada and offered solace to Morpheus, who lamented her refusal to see him.
Persistent in his pursuit, Morpheus continued to inquire about Nada through Lucienne. His patience finally bore fruit as she agreed to join him for a meal. He attempted to make light conversation, but she steered the discussion towards her perceived unjust imprisonment. His reluctance to apologize angered Nada, who slapped him in a fit of rage. It was an act of treason, yet she dared him to send her back to Hell. Realizing the gravity of the moment, Morpheus finally apologized and vowed to spend eternity making amends. Unwilling to see him suffer as she had, Nada accepted an alternative form of repayment.
She yearns to revisit the confines of Earth, and he, driven by the desire to shield her, endeavors to accompany her. Yet, she firmly declines, even suspecting that his anxieties and solicitudes stem not from love but from something else entirely. She asserts that he is incapable of genuine affection or yearning. He, persistent in his conviction, contends that he has undergone a transformation, only to have her reveal a startling truth in return: her love for him has vanished. Stunned by her declaration, he watches her depart, his heart heavy with disbelief.
