Chapter Thirty-Six
Contains spoilersOverview
At a Moonwood shooting range, Bryce and Hunt recruit Declan to reanalyze Luna’s Temple footage and insist the effort be kept from the Autumn King. Bryce proves exceptional marksmanship, and Hunt pointedly matches her shot, deepening their rapport. Isaiah then calls in another murder at Asphodel Meadows, escalating the case.
Summary
Late at night, Hunt and Bryce meet Ruhn, Tristan Flynn, and Declan Emmet at a Moonwood shooting range. While Flynn shows off at the sniper gallery, Bryce asks Declan to reanalyze the blackout-compromised security from Luna’s Temple the night the Horn was stolen. Declan agrees to try specialized software within a few days, warning odds are slim if investigators missed it before.
Bryce demands secrecy, telling Ruhn not to report this to the Autumn King yet. She refuses to name suspects and warns the trio against leaking anything to the Aux or casual hookups.
After Flynn’s teasing, Bryce takes Ruhn’s rifle and fires three rapid shots, placing them through nearly the same hole in the target’s heart. The display silences the room and reveals a vulnerable edge beneath her swagger, watching to see how Hunt will react.
Hunt answers by firing a single round through Bryce’s hole, signaling respect and recognition of her skill. Their shared look underscores a deepening connection as even Ruhn and Flynn react with grudging admiration.
Hunt’s phone rings. Isaiah orders them to Asphodel Meadows—there’s been another murder—yanking the team from banter back into the escalating investigation.
Who Appears
- Bryce Quinlan
Protagonist; recruits Declan to reanalyze temple footage, demands secrecy from the Autumn King, and demonstrates elite marksmanship.
- Hunt Athalar
Investigator; backs Bryce, matches her shot in respect, and takes Isaiah’s call reporting another murder.
- Declan Emmet
Tech expert; agrees to review Luna’s Temple footage within days and keep the effort quiet.
- Ruhn Danaan
Fae prince and Bryce’s cousin; at the range, he’s pressed to keep their meeting from the Autumn King.
- Tristan Flynn
Fae lord; trades bets and banter, then is outclassed by Bryce’s precision shooting.
- Isaiah Tiberian
Hunt’s colleague; calls with urgent news of another murder in Asphodel Meadows.