Chapter Ninety-Three

Summary

• The chapter begins with Bryce at the bottom of the sea with Danika, who she thought was dead. As they speak, Bryce contemplates staying in the underworld with Danika, rather than facing a world without her.
• Danika argues back at this, telling her that it would be a waste of her life. She has people who care about her back in the world of the living, and it would not be fair to them or to herself to take the easy way out.
• Danika talks about other friends like Connor, and acknowledges the struggles Bryce has faced. Danika convinces Bryce to try again, to make the Ascent and give life another shot.
• Meanwhile in the mortal world, Bryce's loved ones are watching the countdown of her life, feeling powerless to help. Declan has searched for a miracle but found nothing.
• At the last moment, Bryce begins running, with the disembodied voice of Danika urging her on. The timers and monitors show a tiny glimmer of hope as they indicate Bryce attempting the Ascent, which the observers deem impossible.
• In Bryce's last moments, the spirit of Danika accompanies her, providing emotional support and making her feel less alone in her dreaded endeavour.
• As Bryce begins her ascent, Declan and others are shocked by what they're witnessing, as it seems unlikely Bryce can make it alone. The ancient Prime answers that she's powered by love — a force stronger than anything.
• In the Old Square, Hunt Athalar, healed and strengthened, is seen providing chest compressions to Bryce, imploring her to come back to life. He uses his powers of lightning to try and jump-start Bryce's heart, adding another sliver of hope to the bleak situation.
• The chapter ends with the words, "Through love, all is possible" summarizing how, in persisting against the odds, Bryce's struggle to live is empowered by the love she shares with her friends and loved ones.