Hunt is filled with trepidation at the thought of meeting Celestina. Bryce assures him she has his back in case anything goes wrong. She tells Hunt Ithan will be staying with them indefinitely since she cannot let him be hunted by Sabine. Out of Bryce’s earshot, Hunt warns Ithan not to cause Bryce any trouble. Ithan reminds Hunt that his relationship with Bryce is only 5 months old and thus, still temporary. Connor had been in love with Bryce for 5 years before she went on a date with him.

At work in the bustling Fae Archives, Bryce misses her old job at the quiet magical art gallery owned by the witch Jessiba Roga. The gallery had been damaged in the attack on Crescent City three months ago. In the attack, Bryce’s coworker and friend, the fire-sprite Lehabah, had sacrificed herself to save Bryce and her pet chimera, Syrinx. Bryce has not been able to get over Lehabah’s death. She calls up her former boss Jesiba for some leads on work, but Jesiba, who has learnt of Bryce’s betrothal to Cormac, quizzes her on the match. She tells Bryce to consider the match because marrying Cormac Donnall, a Fae Crown Prince, might help augment Bryce’s powers.