As the demons within Cesare grow stronger, so do the feelings between Lucrezia and Chiaro, who saves her from the evil advances of Il Perotto. Horrified by the growing bond between them, Cesare informs Lucrezia that she is to be married off at once - and forces Chiaro to examine his feelings in a way that neither could have predicted. Defying Cesare, Chiaro settles the question of Il Perotto once and for all, and flees with Lucrezia to Venecia, leaving Cesare tormented ... and alone.