At a wide chasm in the tunnels, Bryce challenges Nesta and Azriel about whether their situation is another test, then proposes a solution: Azriel can strike Bryce’s star with power so Bryce can winnow them across. Azriel distrusts Bryce after her earlier attempt to grab his sword, but Bryce argues they are already mutually at risk and offers no leverage except the promise to help. Nesta reveals Bryce’s phone as proof she has something valuable to lose, and Bryce agrees to be “charged” carefully.

Azriel blasts Bryce’s star with a controlled bolt of blue power. Bryce endures the harsh, undiluted magic, then takes both Nesta’s and Azriel’s hands and successfully winnows all three across the chasm. Afterward, Azriel and Nesta regard Bryce with increased wariness and respect, while Bryce fights the renewed, “singing” pull of the sword and dagger as they continue deeper into the tunnels.

Hours later, they find carvings of the Cauldron and learn it is both origin-myth and real, raw, sentient power; Nesta admits she was turned High Fae by being forced into it. They connect the Mask’s “death” presence to the Cauldron’s creations, and Nesta explains the Dread Trove and that she can wield the Mask because she was also Made. Bryce shares Midgard’s gods and wonders whether Urd brought her here and whether the Cauldron and Urd might be linked.

As they walk, Bryce asks about the afterlife. Azriel describes souls returning to the Mother, while Bryce explains Midgard’s Bone Quarter, the Sailings, Death Marks, and the Asteri harvesting secondlight. She reveals she bargained away her own place in the Bone Quarter to save a dead friend, leaving her uncertain where her soul will go—especially if she dies in this world. In a quiet gesture, Nesta returns Bryce’s phone; Bryce shows them Hunt’s photograph and identifies him as her winged mate.

In a separate scene in Midgard’s pit, Tharion confronts Ariadne before Ithan’s imminent fight and warns her not to kill or permanently harm Ithan, arguing it would serve the Viper Queen and make powerful enemies. Ariadne refuses to be ordered, hints at her own sworn obligations, and taunts Tharion before heading to the arena. Back in the tunnels, Bryce explains the phone’s functions (photos, music, calls) and demonstrates its light, startling Azriel. The trio finally reaches a massive metal wall bearing a colossal eight-pointed star; as Bryce and the others watch, the star’s spikes “breathe,” locks shift, and a small triangular door opens at the star’s lowest point.