Frieda waits alone in the Swiss hospital chapel, devastated by losses. She processes the scale of betrayal and destruction. Finding Jun recovering well offers brief relief. She tracks Aram to a hotel bar where he sits defeated, having checked himself out of the hospital.

At the hospital helipad, Frieda coordinates contingency protocols via encrypted communications. Jun is taken to surgery. Haatim is assigned to Rome to retrieve Church archives on the original seven from the Vatican with Father Paladina's help.

Haatim searches the ruined hotel for survivors. Frieda grieves the Council's destruction. Jun is found alive and badly wounded. Haatim discovers his father Aram survived and rescued him via helicopter. Frieda learns Nida stole a book containing the original seven bloodline names.

Haatim confronts his father Aram in the hotel loading bay, gun in hand after discovering Aram's betrayal. Aram broke his leg and offers no resistance. Haatim learns his father made a deal with the Ninth Circle to recover his sick daughter Nida, but it cost everyone else their lives, including...

Matt Walker, a priest in Phnom Penh, senses an unwelcome presence in his church. A mysterious woman with pockmarked skin lures him into darkness, revealing obsession with him. A second woman appears and opens fire, then Matt flees as the battle erupts.

Prologue. Context setting for book 3. May show Arthur in Hell being tortured by Surgat. Or show The Ninth Circle operations. Or survivors six months later. Sets stage for rescue mission and final battle.

Epilogue. Six survivors vow to rebuild Council and continue fight. Frieda takes leadership as sole Council member. Team commits to hunting down conspirators and Nida. Plan to find Arthur in Hell. Prepare for war. Despite devastating losses, determination to continue.

Dominick and Haatim discover a bomb and kidnapped Council members. They pursue a convoy to a train station where Frieda has been taken by a mysterious woman (Nida). Abigail infiltrates the train alone, fighting through mercenaries and guards.

Haatim discovers the creature in Nida body is a demon from Ninth Circle. Aram reveals failed resurrection attempt. Demon forces Aram to tie up Haatim and mother with explosives. Demon plans to breach Council, kidnap Frieda for her blood to unlock ancient seals, and trigger mercenary attack.