On a clear morning by the Istros, Bryce and Hunt wait along the quay, watching river life and recalling the secrecy of the Blue Court. Tharion Ketos surfaces and joins them, introduced as an old friend of Hunt and newly named Captain of Intelligence for the River Queen. Flirtation and banter aside, they explain they’re on official business.

Hunt asks if Tharion has noticed anything unusual. When Bryce confirms the case involves murder and names the kristallos—bred by the Star-Eater—Tharion blanches and agrees to covertly ask around. He will warn the River Queen as a precaution. They witness a funeral boat drifting toward the Bone Quarter and joke grimly about Sailings. An otter messenger zips past, delighting Bryce; Tharion promises to send word and departs for the deep.

As they leave, Hunt explains he met Tharion during a string of mer murders; Tharion’s sister was among the victims. Hunt and Tharion caught a rogue panther shifter, and Hunt handed the killer over to Tharion—who ensured the shifter never made it to the Blue Court’s justice.

Back at the gallery, Lehabah the fire sprite checks in before darting downstairs at a thump. Hunt and Bryce assess their case: Sabine swapping the temple footage is suspicious, but not proof, and Hunt can’t approach Micah without something concrete. Ruhn still has no leads on the Horn to bait the kristallos.

Hunt asks about Danika’s jacket; Bryce explains she kept it to protect it from Sabine and that its motto, “Through love, all is possible,” echoed Danika’s Oracle message and matches Bryce’s back tattoo. Hunt shares the story of his first Lunathion purchase—a sunball hat symbolizing a new beginning. After charged flirting, Hunt reins them back to business. Concluding they can’t formally haul Sabine in, Bryce proposes bringing their questions directly to Sabine.