A resistance team led by Tomas assaults ruins in Valtherion searching for survivors. They find Cardinal-General Corven directing demons in the central plaza, clearly cooperating with them willingly.

Adeline escapes onto the palace balcony where she watches Thaelon being led away through the courtyard gates. He looks up and mouths a final plea that she interprets as a call to save his people. She decides in that moment to follow him.

Six months after Aurora, Wilson and Emily establish themselves in Fort Resolution, Canada, posing as climate researchers studying Great Slave Lake. They discover James Wright has been surveilling the community and preparing to hunt.

Vivian finalizes ship deal with Oliver, meets Jack Lane. Oliver betrays them at food court. Gunfight escape through spaceport with war robot. Maven kills officer and leaves sector. Oliver and Jim celebrate their scheme to flush Republic/Union from the Sector.

The survivors form an expedition to explore the Progenitor ruins. They discover a massive sealed chamber containing something ancient and breathing—the imprisonment of the Wurm Lords themselves.

Five months after Aurora, Wilson and Emily conduct a successful hunt with Ingrid of a mated vampire pair feeding in Bergen warehouse basement. They operate with trained efficiency and precision now. They rescue a drained but alive victim.

Maven on warship Eisle learns Jayson/Richard/Tricia captured Alyssa on the train, is delighted by her sister's humiliation. Orders Robertson to keep it secret from Darius. Learns 6000 died on Jaril.

Cael and a group of survivors—Karthian and Valorheim soldiers—hide in underground caves after the disaster at Valtherion. Tensions run high as old enemies must coexist.

Three months after Aurora, Wilson and Emily train outside Tromsø, Norway with crossbows and stakes. They meet Ingrid Larsen, an experienced vampire hunter who knew Kira. Ingrid tests their commitment and confirms Kira is dead. She reveals twelve confirmed vampires operating in northern Norway.