Ruhn endures a tediously controlled Summit where Sandriel relays the Asteri’s order to escalate the war and steers endless trade debates. He recalls learning that the shopkeeper he’d known was actually Queen Hypaxia and confronts her; she explains she came to investigate rising evil in disguise and is not considering marriage. Jesiba Roga coolly asserts that the House of Flame and Shadow thrives on death.

When Micah is called away, Sandriel leads discussions and targets the mer for resisting a canal to move tanks. Captain Tharion Ketos argues the canal would devastate kelp and oyster beds; Sandriel offers compensation. Hypaxia supports Tharion, citing historical precedent of ecological damage lasting millennia and limited reparations, and frames sea life as children of Midgard and Cthona. Sandriel dismisses the concern but ultimately defers, tabling the canal for later.

As the room recalibrates, Hypaxia and Tharion exchange discreet acknowledgments, including Tharion tallying something on a paper that leaves Hypaxia flushed. Ruhn notes his father’s calculating interest in the witch-queen and, despite the brief win, resigns himself to the Asteri and Archangels ultimately imposing their will.

From Hunt’s vantage, the monotony masks coiled menace. His wings have healed, and he tests them as Pollux watches, eager for violence. Hunt listens closely to every word and hopes the Fae, mer, and witches can resist until the Summit ends, wanting only a few more days of fragile calm.