Bryce juggles Jesiba’s reprimand, a demanding client, and messages from Danika’s Second and Third before Danika emerges in wolf form. Danika urges Bryce to come out; Bryce explains Jesiba wants Luna’s Horn found. They head into the street, discussing the relic’s theft during the outage and Micah’s promised justice.

Danika scents for threats while Bryce insists the 33rd will track Philip Briggs, even invoking Micah’s Umbra Mortis. Danika vows she can handle Briggs, but Bryce worries about bombs since Danika has not made the Drop. They note Ruhn will be at the meeting, and Bryce plans to search Luna’s Temple for leads. Bryce adjusts her Archesian amulet as Danika warns her to keep it on.

Ember Quinlan calls about visiting; Danika jokes along and lies they’re traveling for Ithan Holstrom’s sunball game. Bryce ends the call, receives a guilt-laden text, and decides to postpone any visit while Briggs may be free.

At the crowded Heart Gate, Danika flashes her Aux badge to cut the line, unnerves two teenage shifters, and approaches the golden dial. They trade barbs while recalling the Gates’ history, plaque, and wish superstition. Danika wishes for Ithan’s win; Bryce jokingly wishes Danika would get a manicure. At the square’s edge, they exchange cautions and affection, then part—Danika toward the Comitium meeting in the CBD, Bryce toward Luna’s Temple—Danika’s unease masked by a strained grin and the long shadow of Sabine.