45. Axel

Axel numbly cleans the penthouse while waiting for overdue blood and groceries, trying to keep Katya inside despite her restlessness. A delivery alert brings not a courier but Bree DelaCrux, the coven leader, who taunts Axel about his turning and calls Katya a “vessel,” fixating on Katya’s pregnancy.

When Bree implies Night Children can create young and needles at Axel’s lost status, Axel snaps, slamming her against a wall and vowing he would have hunted her if Katya and the baby had died. He declares the Underground his domain and calls Katya his wife, ordering Bree out. Bree departs warning of war and asserting control is fleeting.

Afterward, Axel impulsively proposes they formalize their bond. They visit a Witch in the Apothecary District and obtain an anointed union, receiving Union Marks. As they walk the Apparel District, Axel notices shadow wisps in Katya’s eyes, believing the baby’s growing power is affecting her; they decide to have Cienna or Gia check her regularly.

At a jeweler, Axel seeks rings and illicit blood rations. The jeweler, Nolan, reveals Bree’s coven swept the Underground, seizing all blood stores and forcing purchases through the Dispensary District. Axel realizes Bree has begun consolidating resources, turning their confrontation into a broader power struggle.