After Ruhn leaves Bryce's apartment, Tharion stays behind with Ithan and tells him the truth the Asteri forced everyone to hide after the Summit. Tharion explains that Micah murdered Danika and the Pack of Devils, including Connor, and that Bryce killed Micah after he confessed. Tharion also reveals that Hunt killed Sandriel after Sandriel threatened Bryce. The revelation shocks Ithan, who realizes Bryce loved Danika and Connor far more fiercely than he understood, and he becomes ashamed that Sabine and others knew this while he did not.

Tharion warns Ithan not to sit out what is coming, arguing that fate may have put him in Bryce's apartment for a reason. Tharion says he needs a wolf's nose to help find Emile before Pippa Spetsos or Cormac does, then leaves. Alone, Ithan wonders whether Connor or Sabine ever knew about Danika's connection to Sofie Renast, and his attention turns to Danika's sword, which Bryce still keeps.

Ithan searches the apartment, finds the sword in Bryce's bedroom, and is overcome by memories of Danika carrying the family blade. He starts practicing with it to burn off his anger and grief, but when Bryce unexpectedly returns for her work ID, she catches him standing on the coffee table with the sword. The table collapses beneath him, and Bryce discovers that the broken furniture contained a hidden compartment full of papers. Because the furniture had belonged to Danika, the papers suggest Danika concealed more information in the apartment than anyone realized.

Later, in the Aux armory, Ruhn broods until Flynn and Declan press him to explain what is wrong. Ruhn tells them about Aidas appearing in Bryce's apartment, Cormac's ties to Ophion, the search for Emile and Sofie, and Cormac's threat to expose Ruhn's mind-speaking gifts if Ruhn refuses to listen. Declan admits he once saw uncensored footage of imperial atrocities and agrees to help, and Flynn also commits himself despite the danger. Strengthened by their loyalty but aware that failure could kill all of them and their families, Ruhn decides he has no real choice but to meet Cormac and hear his proposal.