Rigelus, the Bright Hand of the Asteri, calls Bryce to offer "gratitude" and a favor. As Hunt approaches, he reveals his wrist: the slave tattoo marked with a C—he has been freed by Rigelus. The Asteri immediately set conditions: Bryce and Hunt must remain in the city, live quietly, use Bryce’s light only innocuously, and never use the Horn.

When Bryce asks about Micah and Sandriel, Rigelus frames Micah as a rogue and Sandriel as negligent, warning the matters must stay secret. He claims responsibility for Lunathion’s destruction under bad information and calls the brimstone missiles a last resort, implicitly threatening Ember if Bryce steps out of line. Bryce and Hunt understand the coercion and agree to the implied terms.

Hunt summarizes the threat—keep quiet or they and their loved ones die—then prepares to support Isaiah at the Comitium against angels challenging his authority. Bryce agrees to join, but on the roof she scents familiar allies below. Hunt flies her down to meet Ruhn, Fury, and Tristan Flynn.

Fury embraces Bryce, calls her lucky and smart, and confirms Juniper is safe before running to check on her. Ruhn, battered but healing, babbles about hearing Bryce through the Moonwood Gate and witnessing the explosion of light. Overwhelmed, he and Bryce embrace; he admits he feared she had died repeatedly.

In a private exchange, Bryce confirms she meant her earlier forgiveness. They discuss their shared Starborn power and Ruhn’s telepathy, which the Autumn King does not know about; they resolve to keep it that way. Ruhn warns the Autumn King will demand a meeting. They agree to reconnect the next day, while Hunt waits above—no longer the Shadow of Death.