Over lunch, Hunt Athalar urges caution after catching Sabine Fendyr in a lie about Danika’s presence at Luna’s Temple. Bryce Quinlan demands arrest, but Hunt warns of catastrophic fallout given Sabine’s power. When Hunt asks about Amelie’s hostility, Bryce explains Amelie’s long-standing feelings for Connor and how the leaked messages fueled years of public harassment, including a taunting song by wolf packs. Bryce quietly recalls a winter night when Juniper’s timely call and visit kept her from stepping off her roof.

The conversation shifts: Hunt dismisses his “Shadow of Death” moniker as imposed by orders, and he praises Bryce’s work. Bryce describes training from her adoptive father, Randall Silago, including a literal fight that won her permission to attend CCU and rigorous weapons instruction. Prodded by Jesiba Roga’s angry messages about a client and overdue paperwork, Bryce heads to the gallery, asking Hunt to stay out of sight. Hunt diverts to another case at Isaiah’s request, trading brief banter with Bryce before Jesiba calls demanding readiness.

Later, guarding the gallery roof, Hunt regrets bringing Bryce to the Den and pulls 33rd footage of the kristallos attack. He watches grainy video of the demon blasting from the building and Bryce, bloodied and drugged, sprinting barefoot over glass to chase it, her rage and training evident. Remembering the leaked phone data, Hunt acknowledges how brutally the public treated Bryce.

Staring toward the Bone Quarter, Hunt recalls Danika Fendyr’s Sailing: her boat accepted by the Under-King after audio of her pleading leaked, while Sabine departed immediately. He remembers Ithan Holstrom weeping as he sailed Connor’s remains, a stark contrast to the cold-eyed escort seen today.

Hunt wonders if any part of Danika lingers across the river and recognizes Bryce’s unwavering loyalty to her friend. As Isaiah calls again, Hunt resolves that any move against Sabine must be careful, even as Bryce’s determination could tip toward vengeance.