Outside the throne room, Hunt kneels gagged and bound in gorsian stone, completely cut off from his lightning. Ruhn and Baxian, also restrained, are marched past him under guard as Rigelus leads them away from the throne room and toward the shattered Gate. The Hind walks beside Rigelus without acknowledging Ruhn, while Baxian shows the damage from fighting Pollux and Mordoc lies injured nearby.

When the group reaches the ruined Gate, Hunt realizes Bryce is gone and no trace of the portal remains. Because Bryce escaped, Hunt forces himself to focus on the hope that she reached Hel, found Aidas, and might return with help against the Asteri. Even though Hunt assumes he, Ruhn, and Baxian will likely die, Bryce’s escape lets him believe there is still a chance to save Midgard.

Rigelus orders Hunt forced to his knees before the Gate. Hunt expects Pollux to kill him, and he accepts death as long as Bryce remains free. Instead, Pollux holds Hunt’s face in place while Rigelus approaches with white light in his hand, revealing that he intends something worse than execution.

Rigelus presses his power to Hunt’s brow and brands him with a halo. The magic burns through Hunt’s skull, blood, and bones, and the thorns of the halo lock down his power more completely than the gorsian restraints. Hunt understands that the branding takes not only his strength but also his freedom and future with Bryce.

As Hunt screams, Baxian reacts in terror, apparently realizing he may be next. While darkness closes in, Hunt wonders whether Rigelus wants that scream itself to carry through the Gate to Hel so Bryce might hear his suffering. Hunt then loses consciousness.