House of Earth and Blood (Crescent City)
by Sarah J. Maas
Contents
Chapter Eighty-Four
Overview
Citywide sabotage leaves weapons, vehicles, and brooms destroyed, isolating leadership as demons overrun Crescent City. Bryce pushes alone into Asphodel Meadows to reach a shelter of human children, earning the Prime’s recognition as a true wolf. Ithan defies Sabine, rallying wolves and other canines to reinforce Bryce while Hunt calls the Viper Queen.
Summary
From the Summit, Hunt watches Bryce fight through the city as Hypaxia fields a panicked report: brooms, armory weapons, helicopters, and cars are all destroyed. The Autumn King identifies Micah as the saboteur. Fury offers an off-site helicopter and Ruhn moves to reach it, while Sabine orders Aux packs to hold their posts amid failing communications.
Hunt demands wolves be sent to the Old Square, but Sabine says none remain. The Prime points to the feed, sensing Bryce wielding Danika’s sword and calling her a “true wolf.” Hunt borrows Isaiah’s phone and calls the Viper Queen to claim a favor.
Jesiba answers a call from Bryce, which Declan merges onto the room and Aux lines. Bryce, crossing into Asphodel Meadows at sunset, asks for immediate backup to reach the shelter near the Mortal Gate. Ruhn warns shelters are closing. Sabine insists no backup is available, but Bryce, firing relentlessly, shouts that there are children and babies inside.
Ithan Holstrom breaks in, promising Bryce he’s coming. When Sabine orders him to stand down, he cuts the call—and his wolves sever their links, too. With only minutes to reach the Meadows, wolves and other canines—shifters and true animals alike—race through the carnage. Ithan sprints at the head, praying he is not too late.
Who Appears
- Bryce QuinlanFights toward Asphodel Meadows to reach a shelter and protect trapped human children.
- Ithan HolstromDefies Sabine and leads wolves—and other canines—sprinting to reinforce Bryce.
- Sabine FendyrOrders packs to hold positions; is defied by Ithan as his wolves disconnect.
- Hunt AthalarMonitors Bryce and calls the Viper Queen to cash in a favor.
- Prime of the WolvesRecognizes Bryce as a true wolf while watching the feed.
- Ruhn DanaanPushes to reach Fury’s off-site helicopter and speaks to Bryce on comms.
- Hypaxia EnadorReceives confirmation that brooms and armory are destroyed; coordinates via open lines.
- Declan EmmetPatches calls, broadcasts feeds, and merges Bryce’s call with Aux communications.
- Jesiba RogaAnswers Bryce’s call and has it broadcast to the Summit and Aux.
- Autumn KingAttributes the widespread sabotage to Micah.
- Fury AxtarOffers an off-site helicopter as potential transport.
- Isaiah TiberianLends Hunt his phone without question during the crisis.
- Viper QueenReceives Hunt’s call as he invokes a debt.
- Micah DomitusOff-screen saboteur who destroyed weapons, vehicles, and brooms.