Chapter Seven

Summary

• Bryce kneels before the large ivory gates in the Bone Quarter, which overlooks the quiet Istros.
• Her only company is a decaying black boat with an ancient rope that she has paid to remain with her.
• The bustling city, including its spires and skyscrapers, is veiled by the mist and her mortal possessions, including her phone full of angry messages, are left behind.
• An upsetting audiomail from Ithan awakens her from a six-day stupor in a hotel room, urging her not to attend the upcoming Sailing.
• Replaying Ithan's message makes Bryce silently leave the hotel and her unresponsive mother to appear before the ivory gates.
• She chooses to skip the Sailing of the souls of Danika and the rest of the pack, which is set to occur at dawn, because she cannot bear to witness it.
• Bryce wonders if the misty calm surrounding her is similar to death itself.
• Looking at the carved bone gates gives her a glimpse at the imminent arrival of a terrible and ancient creature.
• Banned from the Sailing, Bryce kneels before the gates to say her goodbyes to Danika, reflecting her deep sense of loss.
• The creature emerges from the mist, shaking the river behind Bryce, who raises her gaze to meet it.