Leaving Oracle’s Park, Hunt tells Bryce and Ruhn that the Horn could be repaired and used to reopen the Northern Rift—strong motive to kill anyone who knows. They infer the temple acolyte was targeted to keep her silent. Bryce posits Ophion/Keres might seek the Horn to ally with demons against the Asteri. Ruhn notes only a Starborn can use the Horn, doubts his own power, and offers to discreetly consult medwitches about repair despite legends.

Back at the gallery, Hunt asks why the Oracle warned him off Bryce. Bryce explains the Fae custom of visiting the Oracle at adolescence and recounts her summer in FiRo: during her reading, the Oracle screamed and went blind for a week; afterward, her father abandoned her, and Ruhn was forbidden to help. The episode explains the Oracle’s lingering hostility and Bryce’s guardedness.

They examine images of a Mirsian vase, originally from Parthos, depicting a warrior killing a kristallos with a sword. Hunt takes it as proof the demon can be slain by brute force; Bryce doubts the accuracy. Discussion of Parthos’ supposed myth status leads Bryce back to data: Danika being on sentry at Luna’s Temple when the Horn was stolen—and the acolyte’s presence—stands out as the key link.

Viktoria messages that Philip Briggs has been transferred to the Comitium for questioning within the hour. Hunt warns Bryce about Briggs’s venom; she snaps, and he gives her space, waiting outside. Alone, Bryce grieves her lost pack; Lehabah and Syrinx try to comfort her, with Lehabah urging her to accept new friends. Bryce pulls herself together to face the interrogation.