Hunt Athalar recognizes he has mishandled Bryce Quinlan—dragging her to a brutal scene and even suspecting her. While shadowing her run across the city, he fields calls: Justinian’s kristallos research offers only myths, Vik confirms the Viper Queen’s alibis, and Isaiah verifies the alley victim was a missing temple acolyte. The updates reinforce the temple link and Hunt’s guilt over Bryce’s trauma, prompting him to plan an apology.

When Bryce heads to Archer Street, Hunt follows to the White Raven. After bouncers initially rebuff him, staff let him in. He finds Bryce in a booth and Juniper Andromeda arriving from rehearsal. Trying to take care of Bryce, Hunt orders food for them both; Bryce bristles at his control. He seizes her drink, discovers it’s water, and learns she doesn’t drink. Bryce, still furious and shaken, goes to the bathroom, with Juniper following to support her.

On the crowded dance floor, Juniper tries to coax Bryce back while repelling would-be interruptions. Ruhn Danaan slips in beside Hunt, reports no new leads, and says he came to check on Bryce after seeing her state at the crime scene. He notes Bryce once danced and quit after Danika’s death, underscoring how much she has lost. Watching Bryce, Hunt realizes her party-girl image masks deeper pain.

Bryce looks toward the booth and glowers at Ruhn. She takes a step—and the White Raven explodes, violently cutting off any reconciliation and hurling the investigation and all present into immediate peril.