Bryce and Hunt arrive on a hill overlooking Morven’s ruined castle, now shattered by awakened land-magic as vines and trees burst through the stone. Though the town and people were spared, the destruction signals that Avallen’s Fae are frightened of what the land can do—and of Bryce’s new authority. Hunt notices Bryce still thrumming with power, including a lingering healing after the Autumn King’s death.

Hunt admits he is not okay after learning more about his origins, calling himself a “weird demonic test-tube baby.” Bryce reassures him that his origins are not who he chose to become. They talk through Hunt’s fear of Bryce falling into the Asteri’s hands and his temptation to choose safety over rebellion, but he commits to fighting so future generations do not endure the same oppression.

Joining their friends, Bryce focuses on immediate logistics: Avallen can resist the Asteri, so they should quietly move as many people there as possible. Flynn suggests using the Depth Charger, and Bryce demonstrates that she can part and seal the mists at will, claiming it as a benefit of being Queen of Avallen. Ruhn warns the local Fae will resent sharing, and Bryce bluntly states they have no choice.

As Declan suddenly gets phone service, Lidia urges Tharion to hide in Avallen since the Ocean Queen cannot pass the mists without Bryce’s consent. Lidia then declares that if they survive the Asteri, she will not return to serving her ruler, arguing the era of unchecked sovereigns must end. The moment is cut short when Declan arrives in shock with news: the Asteri launched coordinated strikes led by Pollux and Mordoc, wiping out every Ophion base and killing everyone in the camps, then fired ten brimstone missiles into Asphodel Meadows, claiming it was a rebel hotbed.