Twenty-two months after the murders, Bryce leaves a bathroom hookup at the White Raven to meet vampyr Maximus Tertian. She finalizes the sale of an ancient onyx bust for Jesiba, noting she drinks only sparkling water and reflecting on the Drop’s terror, firstlight harvesting, and her abandoned plans to celebrate with Danika.

When Bryce tries to leave, Maximus mistakes her for a prostitute and grips her wrist, pressing for “perks.” As the VIP level stills, Ruhn Danaan arrives. Bryce uses the pretense of being his cousin to make Maximus back off, prioritizing the integrity of the check before withdrawing from the encounter.

Ruhn explains he was alerted by Riso and delivers a message: the Autumn King wants her to lie low with the Summit a month away and Asteri-favored commanders possibly attending. Mention of “two years ago” triggers Bryce’s rage; the glass in her hand explodes before Ruhn calms her. She agrees to keep a low profile.

Ruhn shadows Bryce home despite her protests. She flips him off at the door, turns on her apartment lights to avoid further argument, and enters the pristine penthouse paid for by Danika’s will. Still haunted and avoiding the Drop, Bryce frees Syrinx from his crate and shuts the night down.