Chapter Sixty-Five
Contains spoilersOverview
Bryce and Tharion covertly tail a barge and witness the Viper Queen selling crates of synth. Bryce documents the exchange and prepares to alert allies. The lead buyer is revealed to be Hunt Athalar, stunning Bryce. The revelation upends trust and reframes the investigation’s stakes.
Summary
Riding a stealth wave skimmer piloted by Tharion, Bryce approaches a mist-shrouded barge on the river. She keeps low and directs Tharion to stay downwind so they remain unscented, bracing herself as they close on the dimly lit vessel.
They identify the Viper Queen on deck, unmistakable in a purple raincoat, presiding over stacked crates. Tharion notes six figures aboard and deduces a sale. A tall, hooded buyer argues with an associate, then tosses the Viper Queen a sack heavy with gold, apparently sealing the deal for the shipment of synth.
Recognizing the danger of more synth reaching the streets, Bryce quietly photographs the barge, the crates, and the buyers. She prepares to call Hunt and Ruhn to bring in reinforcements, intending to shut the operation down.
As the Viper Queen declares the start of a “beautiful friendship,” the tallest buyer turns toward the light. Hunt Athalar’s face is revealed beneath the hood. Bryce is stunned into silence, the implication of Hunt’s presence among the buyers casting immediate doubt and reshaping the course of the investigation.
Who Appears
- Bryce Quinlan
Surveils a river barge with Tharion, photographs a synth deal, plans to call allies, and is shocked to see Hunt buying.
- Tharion Ketos
Mer captain who ferries Bryce on a stealth wave skimmer, assesses the scene, and helps covertly approach the barge.
- Viper Queen
Crime boss conducting a synth sale on a barge, takes a large gold payment, contradicting earlier denial of dealing synth.
- Hunt Athalar
Revealed as the lead buyer in the synth transaction, startling Bryce and casting suspicion on his actions.