Chapter Thirteen

Summary

• Hunt Athalar and Archangel Micah, the ruler of Lunathion, are on a rooftop discussing an investigation into a series of murders they believe might be connected to Quinlan, a half-human assistant. Micah offers Hunt an incentive to find the killer swiftly – if he does, ten of his debt assignments will be removed, significantly lightening Hunt's burden.
• Micah assigns Hunt to protect Quinlan and keep an eye on her as she could potentially be a suspect. Hunt's colleague, Isaiah, recommends him to use the job as protection for Quinlan to stay away from Comitium where Hunt's enemies will be visiting for the upcoming Summit. Although suspicious about Micah's sudden generosity, Hunt cannot refuse the offer.
• Hunt reflects on his past and his uncertain position on whether to make "the Drop" (a potentially dangerous transformation process for immortals), with Micah using this investigation to test his loyalty.
• In another part of the city, Bryce is irked at having to work with Hunt. Jesiba, her boss, subtly encourages her to take part in the investigation and suggests using Hunt’s protection against potential threats. Bryce is torn between maintaining her everyday life which includes applying for new jobs, and avenging the murders that involve her, potentially putting herself in danger.