CHAPTER 47: JAMESON

Jameson spends hours at the London flat amid deliveries of crucibles, awaiting two critical items: the Alchemist drawing and an invitation to the Devil’s Mercy. Branford disapproves of Jameson going to Bowen, but Jameson stands by his high-risk approach, driven by loyalty to Avery.

A silent courier arrives with a tray holding a black-embossed envelope, a curled scrap of paper, and a phone. Bowen calls and, on speaker, informs Jameson that terms still need to be set. The scrap bears three words: Firethorn, Promethium, Augustus—codes to secure a future favor Bowen may claim.

Bowen stipulates the favor can be anything he chooses, prompting Jameson to negotiate constraints: it will not cost him Vantage, will be legal, and will not cause anticipated harm to Jameson or those he loves, and must be performed by Jameson, not Avery. Bowen agrees, while Branford urgently warns Jameson not to accept.

To seal the deal, Bowen orders Jameson to speak the three words alone on the terrace. Jameson complies, binding himself to the favor. In return, Bowen confirms a midnight invitation to the Devil’s Mercy with instructions in the envelope and a warning about severe consequences for default.

Jameson ends the call committed to the bargain, choosing the risk for the chance to advance his search and protect Avery, despite Branford’s vehement objections.