Arthur enters the nine-sided ritual chamber where thirteen cultists perform the Rite of the Ninth Gate. He slaughters the entranced cultists before they can sacrifice 7-year-old Abigail. Arthur confronts Mal'akheth directly, enduring psychological torment about his family's death.

Arthur fights through the manor, sustaining a gunshot wound to his left arm and additional injuries fighting a possessed cultist. Despite his wounds, he follows the screams of a captive child, dispatching demons and cultists, finally reaching a reinforced door leading to the ritual chamber.

The Hunters approach and breach the cult's Victorian manor. Arthur enters through the front as a diversion, killing multiple cultists. He confronts a demon in the ballroom but breaks past it when he hears a child screaming, pursuing deeper into the manor where the real ritual is taking place.

Arthur Vangeest, grief-stricken after his wife Eleanor and daughter Grace were murdered by the Ninth Circle cult two weeks ago, prepares for a raid on the cult's manor stronghold. He meets with Council mentor Frieda and fellow Hunters (Charles, Mildred Greathouse, Dexter Colson).

Haatim is confronted with truth about the Ninth Circle organization and demonic possession. Abigail reveals demon Abaddon has marked him as replacement vessel. Apartment comes under attack. Abigail poisons Haatim to prevent possession. They escape as Ninth Circle closes in.

Marcus and Abigail meet at breakfast, establishing a complex dynamic of antagonism, attraction, and hidden agendas. Marcus reveals controlled knowledge of Abigail while maintaining mystery about his own motives.

Marcus follows Abigail through the city, observing her movements and interactions. The chapter reveals Marcus's tactical mindset and his covert interest in Abigail. His military/intelligence background is suggested through his methods of surveillance and situational awareness.

Abigail meets a mysterious woman in a library who makes her a cryptic offer regarding a book and reveals knowledge of Abigail's past. The encounter is tense and suggestive of danger.

The Reverend, imprisoned and obsessed with self-flagellation as penance, is interrupted by a visitor named Frieda from his past life. The chapter establishes his fractured mental state, his isolation, and hints at past crimes or sins.