Contents
CHAPTER 80: GIGI
Overview
Gigi waits anxiously on the roof after an hour of silence, rereading a hidden note revealing that Slate joined Oren’s supposedly solo strike. She steels herself, vowing retribution and support. Knox offers comfort. The tension culminates when Gigi’s phone finally rings—Savannah is calling, promising a pivotal update.
Summary
After an hour without updates, Gigi reviews the eight last texts: Jameson to Nash and Libby, three from Xander to Max, two from Grayson to Lyra, and a cat meme from Grayson to Gigi telling her she can yell when he gets back. She resolves to lead the inevitable reckoning once everyone returns.
Gigi reflects on the danger of the Crucible and Oren’s choice to go as a lone strike force to avoid catastrophic failure. Searching for relief, she finds Slate’s note on the roof, revealing he joined Oren despite the plan. The note calls Gigi “a force,” and she vows absurd Jell-O-and-pudding vengeance to keep herself from spiraling.
Recognizing the mission may demand crossed lines, Gigi worries Slate could return with more tattooed marks or not at all. Knox finds her on the roof, checks in, and awkwardly offers catharsis—screaming or even punching—trying to help her cope with fear for Slate, Savannah, and Grayson.
As Gigi rejects the idea that hitting Knox would help, her phone rings. Expecting Slate or Grayson, she looks down and sees Savannah is calling, ending the silence with the promise of critical news.
Who Appears
- GigiAnxiously waits on the roof, discovers Slate joined Oren’s mission, vows support and prankish retribution, then receives a call from Savannah.
- Mattias Slater (Slate)Left a note revealing he joined Oren’s supposedly solo strike; calls Gigi a “force,” implying trust and high stakes.
- OrenSecurity lead who departed as a one-man strike force to protect the Crucible mission; actually accompanied by Slate.
- KnoxFinds Gigi on the roof, offers support and comic relief, trying to help her process fear and anger.
- Grayson HawthorneSent Gigi a cat meme promising she can yell when he returns; remains missing on the dangerous mission.
- SavannahPreviously taken; breaks the silence by calling Gigi at the chapter’s end.