Chapter Sixty
Contains spoilersOverview
Bryce fails to access Danika’s Redner account and refocuses with Hunt on obtaining kristallos venom for an antidote to synth. On Danika’s birthday, a cruel bakery prank triggers Hunt to confront Amelie. The incident deepens Bryce and Hunt’s emotional bond, and Bryce secures a medwitch appointment, claiming she knows a venom source.
Summary
Bryce shares her theory tying synth to the Horn and tries logging into Danika’s old Redner account, but every password fails. She and Hunt connect the medwitch’s potential antidote to kristallos venom, debating risks. Hunt leaves for legion business after urging caution, but not before encouraging Bryce.
The next morning, Bryce starts her cycle and discusses strategy with Hunt: the murders have paused, but the Horn remains central. Despite telling Hunt she has gallery meetings, Bryce spends the day researching. In the library, Lehabah and Bryce speak tensely about the captive nøkk and the oppression under the Asteri, with Bryce warning Lehabah to stay quiet under Jesiba’s cameras.
At sunset, Bryce buys Danika’s favorite chocolate croissants and sits by the river, grieving that no one remembered Danika’s birthday. She and Hunt share losses—Shahar for him, Danika for her—recognizing they are mirrors. When they open the box, the top croissant is marked “Trash.” Bryce is humiliated; Hunt flies to the Moonwood, pins Amelie Ravenscroft with lightning, and orders her to leave Bryce alone as Ithan Holstrom witnesses the aftermath.
Hunt returns to a fearful, furious Bryce, who worries about consequences; he reaffirms their connection. The next morning, Bryce gets the medwitch’s number from Ruhn, schedules an immediate appointment, and tells Hunt she knows where they can obtain kristallos venom.
Who Appears
- Bryce Quinlan
Investigates synth–Horn links; fails to access Danika’s Redner account; grieves Danika’s birthday; endures a cruel prank; seeks kristallos venom.
- Hunt Athalar
Debates priorities with Bryce; comforts her; violently confronts Amelie over the prank; deepens bond; supports obtaining kristallos venom.
- Danika Fendyr
Deceased friend; her birthday and secret Redner work drive Bryce’s grief and investigation.
- Amelie Ravenscroft
Suspected of altering the croissant message; is pinned and threatened by Hunt to stay away from Bryce.
- Ithan Holstrom
Witnesses Hunt’s confrontation with Amelie; opens the pastry box; realizes the day’s significance.
- Lehabah
Fire sprite in the gallery; fears the nøkk; discusses oppression; is cautioned by Bryce about surveillance.
- Ruhn Danaan
Previously connected Bryce to the medwitch; promptly provides her contact for an immediate appointment.
- Isaiah Tiberian
Receives Bryce’s rooftop call confirming Hunt’s return after the bar confrontation.
- Jesiba Roga
Gallery owner whose constant surveillance chills conversation; her menagerie includes the threatening nøkk.
- The nøkk
Aquatic captive in Jesiba’s tank; menaces Lehabah; deterred by loud music.