Bryce goes preternaturally still as Jesiba challenges Micah’s competence and mentions Philip Briggs. Micah concedes Briggs was wrongly convicted of the White Raven bombing but confirms he remains imprisoned for earlier crimes. He cites the looming Summit and announces Sandriel’s imminent month-long visit, which shakes Hunt and even rattles Isaiah.

Jesiba presses about the demon; Micah admits they cannot identify it. Bryce asks about another connection, and Micah claims Maximus Tertian and Danika Fendyr were friends—something Bryce disputes. Micah notes Bryce was at both crime scenes and pointedly suggests she could be a suspect, while positioning her as the key to understanding Danika.

When Bryce suggests bringing in the Hind, Micah refuses to let the matter reach beyond his city. He argues statistics imply Danika knew her killer and that Bryce, who knew Danika best, can retrace her final days. Jesiba demands compensation; Micah agrees to pay for Bryce’s services.

Micah assigns Isaiah to report on progress and orders Hunt to protect Bryce during the inquiry. Bryce accepts the role and vows to find the murderer, demanding eradication as punishment; Micah answers with bureaucratic restraint. After Jesiba ends the call, Bryce tries to shut Hunt out; he instructs her to make suspect and timeline lists, but she rebuffs him and seals the door, promising to call when ready.