House of Earth and Blood
by Sarah J. Maas
Contents
Chapter Eighty-Four
Overview
Micah's sabotage of all vehicles and weapons at the Summit is revealed, leaving the leaders trapped and unable to deploy reinforcements. Bryce, now fighting alone in Asphodel Meadows to protect human civilians and children, calls for backup, prompting Ithan Holstrom to defy Sabine's direct orders and lead every available canine shifter and animal in a desperate sprint to her aid. The Prime of the wolves recognizes Bryce as a "true wolf" for her selfless courage, and Hunt calls in a favor from the Viper Queen.
Summary
As everyone at the Summit watches Bryce fighting through the demon-filled city on camera feeds, Hypaxia receives devastating news: Micah destroyed all the witches' brooms, weapons, helicopters, and cars at the conference center armory before he left, anticipating the need to keep them trapped while he used the Horn. Fury reveals she has a helicopter stored off-site, and Ruhn prepares to move out, though it will take thirty minutes to reach Bryce.
Hunt desperately demands that Sabine send a wolf pack to the Old Square to help Bryce, but Sabine insists no wolves are available. The ancient Prime of the wolves, watching the feeds, declares that one wolf remains in the Old Square—pointing not to a literal wolf but to Bryce herself, who carries Danika's sword. Despite Sabine's protests that he's merely sensing the Fendyr sword, the Prime taps his heart and calls Bryce "a true wolf," recognizing her spirit as she fights to protect fleeing civilians and buy them paths to the shelters.
Hunt borrows Isaiah's phone and calls the Viper Queen to collect on a favor she owes him, though the details of the arrangement are not revealed. Shortly after, Bryce calls Jesiba, and Declan patches her call through to the Summit speakers and the Aux lines. Bryce, now crossing into Asphodel Meadows as the sun sets, desperately requests backup near the shelter by the Mortal Gate. Ruhn urges her to get inside a shelter before they seal, but Sabine insists no packs are available for the Meadows.
Bryce screams that there are children and babies in the Meadows, and the room falls into horrified silence. Then Ithan Holstrom's voice comes over the speakers, telling Bryce he's coming. Sabine orders him to stay at his post, but Ithan cuts off her call, and every wolf under his command disconnects as well. The wolves break formation and sprint toward the Meadows, joined by jackals, coyotes, wild dogs, hyenas, dingoes, foxes—every canine, shifter and true animal alike—answering the ancient instinct to defend the defenseless. Ithan races toward Bryce with three minutes of Hel between him and the Meadows, praying he isn't too late.
Who Appears
- BryceFights alone through demon-infested streets toward Asphodel Meadows, protecting civilians and calling for backup.
- HuntWatches Bryce on feeds, calls in a favor from the Viper Queen, and prepares to follow Ruhn to Fury's helicopter.
- Ithan HolstromDefies Sabine's orders and leads all canine forces in a desperate sprint to help Bryce defend the Meadows.
- SabineOrders wolves to hold their posts and refuses to redirect forces; is overridden by Ithan's defiance.
- The Prime of the WolvesAncient wolf leader who recognizes Bryce as a 'true wolf' by her courage and spirit.
- RuhnPrepares to move out via Fury's helicopter and urges Bryce to seek shelter.
- HypaxiaLearns that Micah destroyed all her witches' brooms, weapons, and vehicles.
- FuryReveals she has a helicopter stored off-site, offering the group a way to mobilize.
- JesibaReceives Bryce's call and has it patched through to the Summit and Aux lines.
- DeclanTech specialist who patches calls through the conference room speakers and Aux lines.
- The Viper QueenReceives Hunt's call demanding she honor a favor owed to him.
- IsaiahLends Hunt his phone without question so Hunt can make a critical call.
- Autumn KingIdentifies Micah as the one who destroyed the armory and vehicles.