Archangel Micah Domitus arrives at Griffin Antiquities exactly seven minutes after being announced, accompanied by Hunt Athalar and Isaiah Tiberian. Bryce opens the door and is struck by Micah's overwhelming beauty and power. As Governor of Valbara and one of ten Archangels ruling the Republic's territories under the Asteri, Micah radiates an aura of midnight storms, sex, and death—power capable of leveling an entire metropolis. Bryce ushers them inside, trying to remain composed despite the pain in her scarred leg and the turmoil of her racing thoughts: that Philip Briggs didn't actually kill Danika.

As the three angels settle into chairs before her desk, Bryce notices Hunt lingering to study her, his gaze catching where Micah's feather brushed her collarbone. The sight of Hunt's thorn tattoo and the SPQM brand on his wrist reminds Bryce of the enslaved Fallen angels and the oppressive rule of the Asteri, who she privately views as corrupt emperors hiding behind a puppet Senate. She gives Hunt a defiant smile, silently communicating that she isn't intimidated by the Umbra Mortis.

Bryce connects Jesiba Roga via vidscreen from her luxurious Pangeran hotel suite. Jesiba appears impeccably dressed in navy with freshwater pearls, projecting effortless authority. Bryce reflects on Jesiba's mysterious past as a defector from the witches who now aligns herself with the House of Flame and Shadow and the Under-King, calling herself a sorceress rather than a witch. Jesiba greets Micah with familiar ease and asks why the meeting was called.

Micah confirms that his triarii—Hunt and Isaiah—informed Bryce about last night's murder matching Danika Fendyr and the Pack of Devils' deaths. He then reveals there is another connection that even Hunt and Isaiah haven't heard about yet, causing both angels to stiffen in surprise. When Jesiba asks what he wants, Micah states his purpose plainly: he wants Bryce Quinlan to find the true murderer behind the killings.