Chapter Twenty-Three
Contains spoilersOverview
Jesiba orders Bryce to retrieve a file, exposing the Godslayer Rifle and reminding Bryce of the stakes. News of another brutal killing draws Bryce and Hunt to a crime scene where the likely victim is a temple acolyte, prompting trauma and a clash with Ruhn. Hunt then reveals he was present the night of the original murders, and Bryce learns the kristallos demon wounded Micah, escalating the investigation’s urgency and implications.
Summary
At the gallery, Jesiba calls Bryce to fetch and send a file from her private computer. In Jesiba’s office, Bryce notes the dismantled Godslayer Rifle and its golden bullet engraved “Memento Mori,” a stark reminder of power and mortality. After sending the file, Bryce asks about Luna’s Horn; Jesiba denies any news and ends the call.
Lehabah asks to see Hunt, but Bryce is already unsettled, dreading her next investigative step. Hunt calls with grim news: another murder near the Old Square Gate, possibly a temple acolyte. Despite Bryce’s resistance, Hunt arrives and insists she come. At the alley, investigators swarm; a medwitch works to reassemble the gore-strewn remains. The sight triggers Bryce’s memories of Danika’s pack, and she dissociates.
Ruhn appears, trying to steer Bryce away. She shakes him off, and he and Hunt argue—Hunt maintains Bryce can decide for herself, while Ruhn suspects a link between the killing and their recent visit to the temple. Bryce leaves the scene, fighting panic and fury, recalling how she once used dance to cope but has avoided studios since the murders.
Hunt follows, urging her to “walk it off.” He then admits he was present the night of the original murders and asks how she survived the kristallos. Bryce replies that she didn’t defeat it; it escaped. Hunt reveals the kristallos had pinned and ripped open Micah’s chest, shocking Bryce into the realization—“That was Micah?”—and raising the stakes of their investigation.
Who Appears
- Bryce Quinlan
Jesiba’s assistant; confronts a fresh murder scene, relives past trauma, and learns Micah was wounded by the kristallos.
- Hunt Athalar
Angel partner; forces the site visit, argues with Ruhn, and reveals he was there that night and Micah was attacked.
- Ruhn Danaan
Fae prince; tries to shield Bryce, clashes with Hunt, and suspects the murder links to their temple visit.
- Jesiba Roga
Sorceress employer; orders a file retrieval, her office displays the Godslayer Rifle and a ‘Memento Mori’ bullet.
- Unidentified Temple Acolyte
Probable victim found near the Old Square Gate; her death mirrors prior killings and shifts suspicion toward the temple.
- Isaiah Tiberian
33rd commander; coordinates with temple priestesses to identify the victim.
- Lehabah
Fire sprite; briefly asks to see Hunt, highlighting Bryce’s strained morning.
- Micah Domitus
Governor; revealed to have been wounded by the kristallos the night of the original murders.