Chapter 33

Shaken after spotting Eitan nearby, Alex collapses in an alley, only to be confronted by a demon wearing Hellie’s face. Sapped by despair, she struggles to summon her salt snakes until Tripp arrives and unleashes his albatross, driving the Not-Hellie back into the crowd. Alex recognizes the demons feed on emotional lows and texts the group to keep their moods up.

Alex and Tripp recover at Blue State. They discuss how demons exploit personal history—Tripp insists Spenser’s cruelty feels real—while Alex frames them as predators feeding on pain. Tripp admits he helped for money and to do good, and Alex reflects that loyalty, not grand causes, drives their fight.

Alex calls Dawes to watch Black Elm’s cameras, worried Eitan may expand his leverage, but she dodges a request to tend Black Elm, unable to face Darlington’s stalled rescue. She steels herself to meet the Praetor despite feeling unwell.

In Walsh-Whiteley’s office, Alex braces for discipline but instead learns he expects her to oversee Wolf’s Head’s upcoming full-moon wolf run and continue Lethe duties. He mentions repairs at Il Bastone and active board contact, criticizing only her preparedness. Realizing Anselm may not have reported in—and may be missing—Alex concludes they’ve retained Lethe access and resources.

Alex promises to deliver and rushes out to alert Dawes. The night’s outcomes are stark: demons can be repelled by strong spirits and higher morale, Eitan remains a threat, and Lethe’s machinery is still available for their planned full-moon attempt to retrieve Darlington.