The fifth episode of Season 2 of "The Sandman" kicks off with Morpheus confiding in Lucienne that he has never harbored any inclination towards seeking out Destruction. Nevertheless, an unseen force seems intent on compelling him to do just that. Lucienne ponders aloud that understanding the reasons behind Destruction's departure could prove beneficial. Morpheus then unveils a startling revelation: Destruction had once attempted to confide in him, but his ears had remained unreceptive.
The scene shifts to London in 1675, where Destruction extends an invitation to Morpheus, drawing him into the allure of humanity. However, his admiration is tarnished by his disdain for humanity's self-destructive tendencies in the guise of scientific advancement. Morpheus remains indifferent, asserting that the affairs of humans hold no sway over the Endless, whose sole mandate is to serve mankind. Destruction's passion is met with Morpheus's detachment, leaving him deeply distressed.
In the present, Morpheus finds himself pondering why Destruction, despite his affection for humanity, chose to abandon them. Lucienne speculates that perhaps he sought to evade the burden of responsibility for the impending devastation and the shame of being the catalyst for the annihilation of those he cherished.
Morpheus's contemplation is interrupted as he attends Wanda's funeral, orchestrated by her conservative family who refuse to acknowledge her true identity, even going so far as to dress her in male attire. Morpheus stands firm, insisting on her happiness in her authentic self, prompting her aunt to finally utter her true name, Wanda. After the family departs, Morpheus and Death rectify the injustice on her gravestone, inscribing her true name.
As Death ventures to meet Wanda, she urges Morpheus to check on Delirium. Death is filled with righteous anger on Wanda's behalf, yet Wanda herself is unperturbed by the fate of her human form, finding peace as Death escorts her into the afterlife.
Meanwhile, Morpheus ventures into Delirium's realm, a tumultuous landscape fraught with traps, including a hallucinatory visage of Nada. Navigating through these trials, he offers a heartfelt apology to Delirium, which she readily accepts, her affection for him never wavering. He proposes to resume their quest, albeit under the condition of causing no harm, implying a request for assistance from Destiny.
It pans to Destruction, reveling in his solitary island escapade, indulging in an array of imaginative hobbies while his mischievous pet dog, Barnabas, teases him mercilessly. In a playful moment, the dog unwittingly mentions dreams, prompting Destruction to vehemently shut down the idea, steadfast in his resolve to avoid any contact that might lead him back to his family.
Unexpectedly, those very family members descend upon Destiny's enchanted garden. With a grave reminder of their solemn vow never to seek out Destruction, they confront Morpheus. However, torn between his pledge to them and his unbreakable word to Delirium, Morpheus turns to Destiny in desperation for guidance. Relenting, Destiny instructs him to seek counsel from an oracle within the family circle—none other than Orpheus, the cherished son of Morpheus and Calliope. The realization dawns on Morpheus that all these events are intricately woven into the Fates' foretelling.
Memories flood back to 1700 BC, Greece, where Orpheus is plagued by a harrowing nightmare of Eurydice's untimely demise on their wedding day. Morpheus, acknowledging Orpheus' inherited power over dreams as his heir, dismisses the premonition with a nonchalant shrug.
The wedding day arrives, adorned with the presence of all the Endless. Orpheus, overcome with shyness, resists the invitation to dance until Eurydice gently leads him to a secluded, serene meadow. It is there that his darkest fear materializes; she is fatally bitten by a serpent and passes away in his arms.
Morpheus attempts to soothe Orpheus' shattered heart, but the grieving son believes his life is irreparably broken. In a heart-wrenching plea, Orpheus begs Morpheus to intervene, offering his own life in exchange for Eurydice's. Morpheus, bound by the immutable laws of existence, refuses, leading Orpheus to sever all ties with him in a fit of bitter disappointment.
Orpheus decides to seize matters into his own grasp. Yet, Destruction intervenes, thwarting his bid for self-annihilation. The Endless steps in, facilitating a connection with Death herself, who, though hesitant, lends a hand by bestowing upon Orpheus immortality, thus paving the way for his descent into the Underworld.
Upon his arrival, Orpheus serenades the Underworld with a melody so enchanting that it stirs the very souls of its inhabitants. Reluctantly, Hades grants a boon: Orpheus may lead Eurydice back to the realm of the living, provided he walks ahead in silence and does not dare to glance back at her until they have breached the confines of the Underworld. Agreeing to these terms, Orpheus embarks on their journey.
As they near the threshold of escape, Orpheus feels a wave of relief wash over him. But, in a fleeting moment of frailty, he turns to catch a glimpse of Eurydice, only to witness her being reclaimed by the Underworld forever. Calliope, heartbroken, reproaches Morpheus for not negotiating more adeptly with Hades. She deserts him, citing his intractable stubbornness. Even so, she concedes that perhaps it is time for Orpheus to let go of Eurydice. He, however, rejects this notion and resolves to seek aid from the Sisters of the Frenzy, Dionysus' fierce and destructive cult.
Upon encountering them, the Sisters assault Orpheus with ferocity, reducing him to fragments. Morpheus discovers Orpheus' disembodied head and consecrates a temple to his care. Orpheus implores his father to end his suffering, but Morpheus declines, bound by the rule that an Endless may not harm kin.
Currently, Morpheus grapples with inner turmoil, while Delirium whispers to Destiny about untrodden paths beyond his garden's confines. Nonetheless, Morpheus resolves to press on with their quest. They intend to barter for Destruction's whereabouts by granting Orpheus a boon in return. He is convinced that Orpheus' ultimate request will be for Morpheus to grant him release from life.
