Hunt has spent five days in a holding cell at a conference center in the Psamathe Desert, the site of the Valbaran Summit. He is given black clothes and fitted with gorsian manacles that nullify his power, then led into the grand lobby to be displayed as Sandriel's reclaimed property. He takes his place among Sandriel's 45th Legion triarii—Pollux (the Hammer), the Harpy, the Helhound, and the Hawk—while across the carpet stand Isaiah and the 33rd Legion, including Naomi. Hunt notes the absence of any humans or mixed-heritage individuals among the assembled Vanir delegations.

The Summit's attendees process in with great ceremony. Jesiba Roga arrives first, followed by Queen Hypaxia of the Valbaran Witches—whom Hunt recognizes as the medwitch from the clinic who had provided synth research to Ruhn. The mer delegation includes Tharion and the River Queen's daughter. Sabine escorts the elderly Prime of Wolves. The Autumn King arrives with Ruhn, and Hunt reflects on how much Bryce resembles her father and on the king's cruelty. Ruhn subtly signals sympathy to Hunt as he passes. The Asterian Guard—forty-nine white-winged angels in full regalia—descend from the sky, and finally Governors Micah and Sandriel enter side by side, forcing all Vanir to kneel.

Once inside the tiered conference room, which Hunt mentally compares to the seven levels of Hel, the vidscreens display the Asteri in their crystal palace in Pangera. Their presence is overwhelming; nearly everyone averts their eyes. Hunt notes that only Tharion, Ruhn, Declan Emmet, and Queen Hypaxia dare to look up. Ruhn telepathically contacts Hunt, revealing a secret ability inherited from his mother's Avallen kin. Ruhn offers his help and reports that Bryce is back at work. The Asteri formally recognize Hypaxia as Queen of the Valbaran Witches, then instruct the Summit to discuss ending the human rebellion, making clear only the Vanir perspective is to be heard. Rigelus, the Bright Hand of the Asteri, fixes Hunt with a stare; Hunt holds it defiantly before Sandriel's icy warning forces him to look away.

The Asteri sign off, and the room collectively exhales—one attendee even vomits from the sheer pressure of their presence. Micah formally opens the Summit, and the assembled leaders echo the required words half-heartedly, all aware that even in Valbara, far from Pangera and the war, there is no escaping the Asteri's dominion.