In the second installment of the Crypt saga, Kristen DiMera becomes the emotional focal point.

After years of being the “arrogant villain,” this week Kristen truly breaks down for the first time.

Trapped with her family, she panics, repeatedly calling out her daughter Rachel’s name.

In a haunting scene, Kristen imagines Rachel standing before her, asking, “Mom, will you leave me again?” – causing her to burst into tears.

Chad and Tony look at each other, understanding that even though Kristen has done wrong, she is still just a broken mother.

Amidst the arguments, EJ and Kristen have a rare moment of reconciliation. He softly says, “Whether you’re a demon or an angel, you’re still DiMera’s flesh and blood.” Kristen looks at him, responding with eyes filled with both pain and gratitude.

But upon being rescued, Kristen immediately transforms – returning to her powerful self, declaring she will “hunt down whoever dared to lay a hand on the DiMera family.” The scene of her standing in the snow, her eyes icy cold, promises that the next installment will be Kristen’s counterattack – and this time, Salem will pay the price.