Bryce continues her Ascent after Danika sacrificed the last of her soul and power to launch Bryce upward. Danika whispered "I love you" before fading into nothing, and rather than being destroyed by grief, Bryce released a roar of challenge. Her power shifted between forms—sea, sky, wings, flame—as she barreled toward the veil separating death from life, embodying all the species' gifts yet remaining herself.

Meanwhile, Hunt continues performing chest compressions on Bryce's lifeless body in the Old Square. He had awakened healed and whole to find the city repaired, the Gate blazing with firstlight, and Bryce dead before it. He understood she had made the Drop to unleash healing firstlight and used the Horn to seal the portals to Hel. Acting on instinct, he began trying to revive her. As he feels her power approaching—recognizing it like a mirror of his own—he reflects that every trial, every torture, every horror of his life had been leading to this moment, to being here for Bryce.

Hunt sends another shock of lightning into Bryce's heart and continues compressions, telling her he's waiting. Bryce finally explodes back into life. She finds herself warm, safe, and breathing, her heart beating. They kneel together in the Old Square, Hunt's glowing gray wings curled around them both while Bryce shines with radiant light from within. When she lifts her head, she sees that Hunt's halo tattoo—the mark of his enslavement—is gone from his brow. She traces the smooth skin in wonder as he brushes away her tears.

The two share a tender, teasing exchange: Bryce accuses Hunt of calling her a coward, and he laughs. Their banter is interrupted when doors open along the street and the people of Crescent City emerge—weeping with relief or silent in shock—to witness Bryce and Hunt. Bryce rises, feeling a vast well of power within her that belongs not just to her but to all of them. She takes Hunt's hand, interlaces their fingers, and together they step forward to greet the world.