Bryce video-calls her parents, Ember Quinlan and Randall Silago, with Hunt beside her. Amid playful banter, Randall recognizes Hunt Athalar from the Meridan campaign. Hunt remembers Sandriel’s brutal orders and Pollux’s cruelty, while Bryce quietly supports him during the painful recollection.

Ember immediately questions why Hunt is living with Bryce. Bryce offers a partial truth about a work case and overcrowded barracks. Light teasing over Bryce’s cleanliness and childhood dolls gives way to concern when Ember asks about the case’s danger; Bryce denies it while Ember remains skeptical.

Hunt points out Bryce’s ongoing pain from the kristallos wound, suggesting lingering venom and urging treatment before the Drop. Ember and Randall press for a medwitch visit, and Bryce, angry and embarrassed, abruptly ends the call by slamming the laptop shut.

Ember calls back, demanding to know if the Autumn King is behind the arrangement. Bryce says Jesiba and Micah are working together. Ember labels Micah a monster and warns that powerful Vanir males are dangerous, her own past trauma surfacing as she apologizes for being triggered by Bryce’s proximity to an older Vanir male.

Ember insists on booking a medwitch appointment. When Bryce resists, Ember links Bryce’s refusal to Danika’s death and her abandonment of dance, which reopens Bryce’s grief. Bryce refuses to discuss Danika, and Ember ends the call, promising to send the appointment details.