Bryce’s chimera, Syrinx, alerts her to Hunt Athalar perched across the street on surveillance duty. Hunt calls to demand visibility and cooperation, insisting she draft suspect and timeline lists for Danika’s last week. Bryce rejects his intrusion and, after a tense window confrontation, shuts him out.

In the rainy Old Square, Hunt vents to Isaiah about Bryce’s defiance and Syrinx biting him after the chimera “jumped” to him at dawn. Hunt reflects on the surveillance state and the exploitation of Lowers, then tails Bryce to a nail salon, stewing as she socializes and uses draki magic for her manicure. He suspects Bryce’s connection to the murders despite lacking proof.

Outside, Hunt confronts Bryce about prioritizing nails over the investigation and reiterates Micah’s order. Bryce refuses to disclose her motivations and resists his attempts to intimidate her as they walk back to her building; Hunt pointedly warns that her behavior could be seen as hindering an official case.

At the gallery library, Bryce denies Lehabah’s request to let Hunt in and to be freed, citing Jesiba’s control and practical constraints. Their exchange highlights Lehabah’s SPQM enslavement mark and the sprites’ punishment after the rebellion. Lehabah corrals a restless book while Syrinx naps.

Jesiba calls, demands progress, and schedules a two o’clock client. Surveying the enchanted, creature-filled library and recalling the prior kelpie, Bryce prepares for the workday while quietly planning a risky move that she knows will anger Hunt—and might endanger her.