The chapter opens in the conference room as Hunt's halo tattoo flakes away, freed by Queen Hypaxia's magic. Ruhn had deliberately kept Sandriel talking to give Hypaxia time. With the halo gone, Hunt's full power—the true Umbra Mortis—is unleashed. Sandriel realizes too late that she is exposed without her triarii, and Hunt attacks with devastating lightning. The room cracks apart, debris raining down as Ruhn, Hypaxia, Flynn, and Declan take cover under tables. Time itself seems to warp under the force of the battle.

When the lightning stops and the dust clears, Hunt stands holding Sandriel's severed head by the hair—he tore it from her body with his bare hands after flaying her with lightning from the inside out. Every angel in the room, including Isaiah, kneels before Hunt in awe and fear. The Autumn King goes pale when Hunt throws him a feral grin, clearly aware of how he has treated Bryce. Ruhn reflects on the revelation that Bryce is Starborn and realizes she walked away from the privilege and honor of that identity to protect him, even letting their relationship fracture to keep the secret.

Hunt immediately takes command, ordering Fury to get her helicopter ready and mobilizing the angels. Not one person challenges his authority. He recruits Ruhn, Tharion (who waits for the River Queen's daughter's nod), Amelie Ravenscroft, and Flynn as his strike team. Declan stays behind to serve as their eyes in the field via the screens. The Autumn King, the Prime of the wolves, and Sabine remain at the location, with Jesiba and Hypaxia to keep them in check.

The group heads to the rooftop where Fury's military-grade helicopter—equipped with gunners and weapons caches—awaits. Fury takes the pilot seat; Hunt mans the right gunner position since his wings aren't healed enough for flight. He issues orders to the departing angels: establish a perimeter around Lunathion, send a scout team to the portal, and direct survivors to triage five miles beyond city walls. As they lift off, Hunt asks Fury about Bryce's darkest moment—when she nearly jumped from a roof. Fury confirms that Bryce was emotionally dead for a long time after Danika's death, pretending otherwise, and tells Hunt plainly: "You brought her back to life."