Following the starlight map, Bryce leads Hunt, Tharion, Sathia, and Baxian down the hidden stair until the Starsword and Truth-Teller pulse them into a small chamber. A narrow stream runs through the center, and a black ewer and bowl sit on an eight-pointed star carved into the floor, with two points cut into deep slits.

Bryce tests the stone and reveals the entire chamber—and the surrounding cave network—is made of black salt. She argues Helena likely built the warren as a deliberate “thin place” and a protected, long-lasting site, disguised as a tomb complex honoring Pelias so the patriarchal Fae would preserve it untouched. Sathia realizes black salt is associated with Hel, and Bryce concludes the chamber was meant for communion with demons rather than a conventional summoning.

Bryce proposes that the Starborn’s mind-speech, amplified by the black salt and salt-laced water, could allow contact with Hel—possibly even Apollion—for answers on how to kill the Asteri. When Bryce tries to drink, Hunt shatters the ewer with lightning, then immediately insists he will not stop Bryce from taking the risk, only refuse to let Bryce do it alone.

With Tharion, Sathia, and Baxian watching uneasily, Bryce and Hunt sit knee to knee and drink together from the bowl. Bryce’s consciousness “falls” into cold, absolute darkness while Hunt’s presence—marked by lightning—falls alongside her, confirming their linked leap worked.

In the dreamlike void, Bryce’s starlight barely illuminates two approaching blue lights. They resolve into Aidas, who greets Bryce with relief and hope, telling her she has reached Hel at last.