Chapter 47

Alex meets Turner outside Il Bastone and pushes him to accept that he’s now part of their war. Turner resists Lethe but admits he likes the fight, warning that Alex’s victories have consequences—the devil knows her name.

They go to Tripp’s apartment prepared for a hostile entity. Inside, they find a reclusive, pale Tripp with fangs and a husk of his former body hidden in the kitchen, confirming his life was drained. Though Darlington and Turner argue to kill the threat, Tripp’s befuddled demeanor and gaming “nest” suggest he has been avoiding harm.

At Alex’s urging, Tripp summons his salt spirit; the albatross still answers, proving his soul remains protected. Alex and Dawes argue responsibility for Tripp’s condition and potential usefulness against Linus Reiter. Darlington relents, Turner refuses liability, and Dawes agrees to shelter and regulate Tripp at Il Bastone.

As they leave, the Harkness bells play and a winged, red-eyed demon launches from the tower. Darlington deduces Golgarot used Alex’s blood to wedge the Gauntlet open, explaining the creature’s presence and looming future incursions. The team realizes closing the door is urgent before demons learn to remain.

Alex asserts agency against Lethe and their enemies, orders Turner to find and protect Mercy, and sends Dawes to secure Tripp without becoming his prey. She and Darlington ignite their hell-born powers and deliberately draw the demon’s attention, choosing to hunt the threat and begin the work of sealing the Gauntlet for good.