Bryce and Hunt return to Bryce’s apartment, where Syrinx anxiously greets them. As Bryce processes that her power healed the city but not the dead, she breaks down, and Hunt holds her. They quietly acknowledge what they’ve done—Hunt killed Sandriel; Bryce killed Micah—and Bryce reveals a new eight-pointed star scar at her chest, confirming her Starborn light and additional power. Hunt urges that she must learn to control it.

Desire surges and they begin to act on their long-building attraction, only to be interrupted by a ringing phone. Ember calls in tears. Bryce showers while speaking with her mother, learns that news has broken about her father and the scope of her power, and deflects deeper conversations for later. Bryce realizes Ember doesn’t yet know the full truth about Micah and Danika, a dread she shelves for now.

Meanwhile, Hunt showers, thinks of Bryce, then calls Isaiah on a burner. Isaiah reports the Comitium is in upheaval and, with Micah and Sandriel dead, he’s effectively in charge; he asks Hunt to come help. Hunt, still marked by his slave tattoo, fears renewed servitude and separation from Bryce—but when he glances at his wrist, he reacts with surprise.

As Bryce ends the call with Ember and answers an unknown number, expecting Jesiba, a youthful male voice greets her. Recognizing an Asteri, she says, “Hello, Your Brilliance,” as the chapter closes with their direct contact.