Hunt catches Bryce arriving at the Meat Market and angrily confronts her. Unfazed, Bryce heads inside, navigating the crowded, lawless bazaar beneath a “Memento Mori” mosaic. Hunt notes her familiarity with vendors and the hopeful motto painted on her jacket, even as he worries about the danger of the venue and her intentions.

They enter a shabby apartment crammed with jars of varied salts. Bryce demands a precise quantity of obsidian salt. Hunt recognizes it as contraband used for powerful summonings, linking it in his mind to recent demon attacks and raising fresh doubts about Bryce’s aims.

The satyr dealer refuses, citing risk. Bryce counters by threatening to involve the Viper Queen, then accuses him of having sold materials to Philip Briggs. She sets a countdown, claims Jesiba expects confirmation, and even calls Jesiba to “call off your dogs,” while Hunt plays along. Pressured by Bryce’s leverage and Hunt’s presence, the satyr caves, agreeing to sell for ten thousand.

He produces a wrapped slab—seven pounds, seven ounces—and Bryce pays, noting the sacred sevens. As they step out with the bagged obsidian salt, they find the Viper Queen waiting at the door, signaling an imminent and perilous confrontation.