Chapter Ninety-One

Summary

• In the aftermath of a brimstone missile attack, Bryce finds herself surprisingly alive among smoldering ruins. Despite the heavy damage, the Gate still stood. Bryce believes the Gate must have shielded her from the blast.
• Bryce realizes that the trembling in the shadows around her are demons stirring. Despite her attempts to rise and move away, her body refuses to cooperate.
• A grey feather on her knee sparks a horrific realization for Bryce. She turns to find Hunt, severely injured and gravely wounded. Bryce calls for help, but receives no response.
• The brimstone attacks also downed a helicopter carrying Ruhn, Fury, and others, causing them to crash. They manage to survive, though they face critical injuries and an imminent threat from nearby demons.
• Hypaxia, communicating via an undamaged radio, informs Ruhn that Athalar, also known as Hunt, has been injured badly and that Bryce is still alive. They are unsure of Hunt’s chances of survival.
• Ruhn plans to head towards the Heart Gate, despite the immediate threat from demons.
• Bryce tries to comfort Hunt, whispering that everything is happening for a reason. She decides to leave him momentarily to go to the Gate, formulating a plan to stop the chaotic situation.
• Bryce realizes that she can use the Gate’s power as a conduit along with the Horn in her skin to close the portals to Hel. She pleads for someone on the other end to anchor her, over the intercom of the Gate.
• Despite repeated pleas, no one responds. Bryce feels the depth of their loneliness and despair as Hunt continues to bleed out. She returns to Hunt, comforting him with promises of survival and future happiness.
• As Bryce waits with Hunt, she hears a voice, Danika's, telling her to "light it up". She turns towards the Gate and one of the gems, corresponding to the Bone Quarter, starts to glow.