Tharion and Cormac approach the Pangera lab in forged imperial uniforms, hoping to get inside before their rescue plan collapses. Tharion feels the strain of his bargain with the Viper Queen and keeps track of the limited time he can remain Above before he must submerge again. At the checkpoint, Cormac and Tharion bluff the wolf guards by invoking Rigelus and a supposed meeting with Doctor Zelis, and the guards let them through.

Inside the compound, Tharion learns that Pippa and her agents are already hidden in the surrounding trees. Cormac explains that the rebels timed their arrival with human laborers being brought in and out so the dreadwolves would not detect them. Pippa is not merely there for strategy but because she has a personal score to settle, raising the danger around the lab.

Meanwhile, Bryce, Hunt, and Ruhn wait in an olive grove outside the Crystal Palace. Bryce steadies herself for the break-in while Ruhn grows increasingly anxious about Agent Daybright, who has gone silent and may be imprisoned inside. Cormac appears after jumping from the lab and teleports Hunt into the palace first, according to their plan.

While they wait for Cormac to return, Bryce and Ruhn share an emotional moment. Bryce promises they will get Day out, and Ruhn thanks her before admitting he wants the Autumn King removed and Bryce installed as Autumn Queen instead. Ruhn argues that Bryce has the power and moral force to lead the Fae better than their father, but Bryce rejects the idea even as Ruhn presses her to think about it.

Cormac returns, teleports Bryce toward the palace, and reveals he overheard enough to know Ruhn asked her to rule. He says Ruhn is right and reinterprets the Oracle's prophecy to mean that Bryce and Cormac's alliance, not a marriage, could help their people. He also warns that after this mission, leadership choices may fall to Bryce.

Inside the Crystal Palace, Hunt waits outside the archives and struggles with brutal memories of his past torture and Shahar's death. Bryce and then Ruhn arrive, and Ruhn signals Declan to coordinate the timing. When Tharion reports that Cormac has blown up the jeep to create the distraction, Hunt charges Bryce's scar with lightning, and Bryce teleports into the archives to uncover whatever truth the Asteri have hidden there.