Bryce and Hunt secure a meeting with the Viper Queen by buying illegal obsidian salt to attract her attention. Escorted by venom-addicted Fae guards, they enter the queen’s unexpectedly shabby office, where tension and posturing give way to questions about Danika Fendyr and Maximus Tertian.

The Viper Queen admits Danika was a threat but insists their relationship was transactional and useful. She claims serps can sense looming trouble and says she warned only her own people. Regarding Maximus, she shrugs off responsibility and suggests the Meat Market’s dangers, despite the tox screen showing no drugs.

To shut down suspicion, the Viper Queen provides a flash drive of alibis: she was at a spa the night Maximus died and at a prolonged Drop party during Danika’s murder window. She needles Hunt and propositions Bryce, but Hunt pockets the drive, intending to pass it to Viktoria.

Before dismissing them, the Viper Queen offers a “pro tip”: look where it hurts most for answers. She also warns Bryce not to underestimate obsidian salt, which can bring over the worst of Hel, and has her guards escort them out.

Outside, Hunt says he believes the Viper Queen’s denial; Bryce agrees. Spurred by the queen’s advice, Bryce plans to think through a new angle tomorrow at the gallery. She reveals she charged the salt to Jesiba’s account, deflects questions about its purpose, and rides off on her scooter despite Hunt’s safety warnings.