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.

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Gregory faces new challenges in 'Quick'.

Fifty soldiers including Squad Two launch a night raid on a Karthian scout camp. The raid is brutal and successful—forty-two return, eight are killed, and approximately twenty Karthians are slain. Cael kills his first enemy: a young, terrified Karthian soldier.

Wilson Hayes receives an unexpected job offer for Aurora Station, an Arctic research facility with six-month isolation. Despite colleague warnings about the extreme isolation, Wilson accepts the position seeing it as his dream research opportunity.