With the two women splitting off in different directions, Yelena's theory proves right. Whether by instinct or simply because she's the target that remains most easily in reach, she's the one on whom the wires re-converge, with only a few trailing after Cortana. These are deflected handily by Elidibus's flying shield, and Cortana's path to Zyrian is finally clear--in just a few steps she'll reach the side of his bier. There are still a handful of copper serpents coiled atop his unconscious body, hissing and snapping at her approach, ready to attack once she's within reach.

As for Elidibus and Yelena, things are looking dire. There aren't nearly as many snakes as there had been among the wires on the floor, but each that remains packs a substantial punch of its own. There aren't quite as many wires to coil around Yelena as there were, either, but in her current condition she may not be able to fend them off for long on her own.