Chapter Two
Summary
- A character named Bryce is disappointed to hear that Danika, Alpha of a pack, is potentially going to kill someone over someone else's release.
- Bryce handles a series of communications and demands at work. She suggests that her boss Jesiba is looking to exploit the return of Luna’s Horn, a sacred Ancient Fae relic that has been stolen.
- Bryce and Danika move onto the street, discussing the theft of Luna’s Horn, which was taken during a power outage. Archangel Micah has offered a hefty reward for its return.
- They also discuss a character named Briggs, and how much of a threat he poses now that he's free. Bryce reassures Danika that the higher-ranking authorities will handle Briggs and return him to jail.
- The narrative reveals a tense relationship between Bryce and her half-brother Ruhn, who is a full-fae. Danika warns Bryce that Ruhn will ask about her well-being.
- Bryce and Danika discuss the potential danger Briggs might pose to their pack and agree they need to be careful.
- Bryce fields a phone call from her overprotective mother, Ember Quinlan. She lies and claims she's busy when her mother wants to visit.
- Ember sends a guilt-tripping message to Bryce about the cancelled visit, which Bryce ignores.
- Bryce ponders her limited magical abilities as they approach one of the seven quartz Gates in the city. They decide to make a wish at the Gate, as part of a tourist attraction ritual.
- There's a brief discussion about the historic significance of the quartz Gates, which were originally used for communication before phones arrived, and the superstition that grew around them about making wishes come true.
- Bryce makes a superficial wish about Danika getting a manicure, which leads to both women laughing and the chapter ending on a light-hearted note.
- Yce comforts Danika with a supportive arm around her shoulder, and Danika thanks a security guard while ignoring the tourists taking photos.
- They reach the northern edge of the square where their paths separate, Danika heading toward the Comitium complex in the CBD and Bryce toward Luna’s Temple.
- Danika tells Bryce she'll see her at home and assures her not to worry, displaying gratitude in her eyes just for the fact that Bryce cares for her wellbeing.
- The narrative reveals that Danika's mother, Sabine, was cruel to her daughter and never disclosed the identity of Danika's father, leaving her raised by only her withdrawn grandfather.
- Bryce playfully advises Danika to avoid irritating too many people and Danika responds with a half-hearted grin, hinting at her underlying sadness or apprehension.