Bryce attempts to work on the case at the gallery by reviewing her emails with Maximus Tertian, hoping to find connections to his murder. However, the prospect of compiling a list of Danika's movements during her final week triggers overwhelming nausea and grief. Lehabah, the fire sprite who guards the library below the gallery, tries to lighten the mood with chatter about Hunt Athalar and her favorite Vanir drama show. When Jesiba calls with instructions, Bryce handles them dutifully, but the ticking clock reminds her that every second wasted means the killer remains free.

Unable to face the memories alone, Bryce calls Hunt for help. He arrives almost instantly, and after some negotiation about secrecy, Bryce allows him into the library—a space full of priceless contraband books and scrolls that the Asteri would order destroyed. She introduces him to Lehabah, who is instantly smitten, and to Syrinx, the chimera she purchased from Jesiba at great personal expense to save him from a warlord. Lehabah reveals that Bryce is still paying off Syrinx's cost from her paychecks and will be for centuries. Hunt also learns that Bryce's apartment belonged to Danika, who left it in both their names, and that Bryce is far from wealthy.

Rather than pressuring Bryce immediately about Danika, Hunt eases into conversation by asking about her background—her studies, how she got the job with Jesiba through Fury Axtar's connections, and her relationship with Fury. They discuss Hunt's age (233) and his remarkably young leadership during the angels' failed rebellion. Bryce reveals she has killed before but refuses to elaborate, though it connects to a traumatic event with Danika during their senior year that deepened their bond. The memory triggers a painful flashback to Danika saying "I love you, Bryce. I'm so sorry."

Hunt gently guides Bryce into recalling happy memories from Danika's last week, starting with a drunken tattoo session. This approach unlocks a flood of recollections: a wish at the Old Square Gate, eating pizza, Danika's hair appointment, grocery store antics with Thorne, ogling sunball players at CCU. Bryce writes them all down until the emotional weight becomes too much and she calls a halt. Just then, Ruhn texts asking to meet at Luna's Temple in thirty minutes—a location chosen because it has no cameras. Bryce and Hunt agree to go together without warning Ruhn about Hunt's presence.