Hunt arrives at the Comitium via a back entrance to avoid Sandriel and meets Micah, who is furious about the Fae tests being run on old evidence and about the slow progress of the case with the Summit only two weeks away. Micah reveals that Sabine Fendyr called to complain about being treated as a suspect and warns Hunt that Sandriel has been making offers to trade for him, mentioning Bryce by name. Micah hands Hunt a file—a kill order targeting drug lords—as punishment, with the stipulation that no guns be used. Hunt retrieves his helmet, daggers, and battle-suit from the barracks, shutting down emotionally as he prepares. When Bryce texts to ask if everything is okay and offers to order dumpling soup, Hunt sends only a terse reply before turning off his phone and flying out.

Bryce spends the entire day consumed with worry. Hunt's vague, uncharacteristic response convinces her something is deeply wrong. She checks cameras, talks to Naomi on the rooftop—who offers only strained reassurances—and obsessively watches her phone. By evening, she sends Hunt a direct plea to call her. When he still doesn't respond by eleven, she calls Ruhn, who immediately offers to have Declan and Flynn track Hunt down. Before Ruhn can act, the apartment door opens and Hunt walks in, covered in blood that isn't his own, wearing his infamous helmet. He says nothing and walks straight to his room.

Bryce waits in the living room as Hunt showers for nearly an hour. When she finally checks on him, she finds him sitting on the shower floor under scalding water, his skin burning and healing in a cycle of self-punishment. She turns down the temperature, then asks permission to wash him. Hunt gives a small nod. She shampoos his hair, soaps his upper body and wings, dries him, and dresses him in underwear before guiding him to bed. As she turns to leave, Hunt grabs her wrist—a silent plea for her to stay.

Bryce changes into Hunt's T-shirt, discarding her wet clothes, and slides into bed beside him. Hunt lays his head on her thigh, and she strokes his hair until he falls asleep. When Hunt wakes at three thirty, clearheaded for the first time, he carries the sleeping Bryce to her own bed, tucks her in, and notices a chain of messages from Ruhn on her phone. Ruhn's final text tells Bryce that despite everything between them, he's there for her anytime. Hunt returns to his own bed, falling asleep surrounded by Bryce's lingering scent.