Bryce sprints to the Autumn King’s villa, demanding entry after learning he blocked superior Mimir scent testing related to Danika’s case. Fae guards deny her and hurl slurs at both Bryce and Hunt, who arrives bristling with power. Ruhn, with Flynn and Declan, intervenes, urging Bryce to stand down, claiming the king kept out to protect her. Bryce rejects that, insists he wants the Horn, and warns Ruhn never to say Danika’s name to her again before leaving.

At Lethe, Bryce drinks while war footage plays. Hunt brings a medwitch tonic and tries to steer her from self-destruction, but Bryce needles him about Shahar and their charged moment on the roof. He leaves, setting another tonic beside her, choosing restraint over a fight.

Back home, Hunt cools off and has Naomi watch the bar. Bryce returns with groceries, offering an apology dinner. She explains she visited a storage unit near Moonwood to recheck Danika’s belongings for any Horn trace and to retrieve more clothes for renewed testing. Cooking together, Bryce admits aimlessness since college, quitting dance after body-shaming, and feeling adrift.

They exchange apologies and histories: Bryce recounts a violent rescue of smuggled animals tied to Danika’s thesis, underscoring Danika’s compassion. Hunt affirms he would still have rebelled despite the cost and quietly vows retribution if ever freed. They discuss Bryce’s uncertainty about making the Drop and choosing an Anchor. Hunt reframes perseverance as defiance; they agree to keep fighting. Bryce offers Hunt her spare room if the case ends, and he accepts.

Half-asleep later, Bryce sees a blue-eyed cat on her dresser. The creature asks, “What blinds an Oracle?” and implies it recognized her at the temple and at Five Roses, calling her the Autumn King’s only daughter. It urges Bryce to make the Drop and to come find him, promising they will finish this.