Chapter Forty

Summary

• Viktoria spent two days searching the city's cameras and power grid before she found something unusual.
• Her findings don't warrant a call to Hunt, but a visit, so she sends a messenger, Isaiah, to fetch him. Isaiah's strained appearance indicates their situation with Sandriel (an Archangel) is tense.
• Hunt and Isaiah discuss the impending arrival of Pollux, a demon that causes fear among their ranks. They speculate on Sandriel's intentions and her disturbing influence on nearby individuals.
• After Isaiah departs, Hunt receives playful texts from Bryce Quinlan, with whom he shares a mutual romantic interest. Despite recent tensions, their messages suggest a lighthearted connection.
• Hunt and Bryce fly to Viktoria's office where they are showed images of a kristallos demon spotted in Moonwood the previous night.
• The photographs suggest a connection to previously unsolved murders. The demon was last seen near Sabine’s territory and by the Rose Gate, which is not in Sabine’s territory. It seems to be looking for something or someone.
• Bryce remembers her battle injuries when she recognizes the kristallos from its talons and reacts. Hunt comforts her subtly.
• Viktoria hints to Hunt that his physical displays of comfort to Bryce may be unprofessionally or inappropriate given their circumstances.
• Despite the grim meeting, Bryce plans for a dinner outing with Hunt later that evening.