LPN Deep Dives: Crescent City / Episode 24: Big Bad got Big MAD

Summary

LPN Deep Dives: Crescent City

Episode 24: Big Bad got Big MAD

Release Date: April 1, 2025
Hosts: Natalie Jean and Jackie Zebrowski

---

Introduction

In Episode 24 of LPN Deep Dives: Crescent City, hosts Natalie Jean and Jackie Zebrowski delve into the intense developments of Sarah J. Maas's popular adult science fiction series, focusing on the unfolding drama in Chapter 76 to 78. This episode, titled "Big Bad got Big MAD," unpacks the escalating tensions and intricate plot twists that bring the story to a fever pitch.

---

Key Plot Points

Bryce's Struggles and Micah's Menace

The episode opens with a discussion on Bryce's deteriorating state post-breakup and her attempts to hide her vulnerabilities. Natalie points out Bryce's transformation, noting, "She has barely left Griffin's. She doesn't want to spend time alone in her apartment with the silence." [12:55]

Micah's intrusion into the Griffin Antiquities library basement marks a significant turning point. The hosts analyze Micah's calculated moves to extract Luna's Horn, a powerful artifact intertwined with Bryce's fate. Natalie summarizes Micah's manipulation: "Micah's perceived benevolence in offering him an out in this bargain about just a couple more deaths was all a lie." [70:07]

Bryce's discovery that Luna's Horn is tattooed on her back, unbeknownst to her, adds a layer of personal conflict. Jackie enthusiastically remarks, "She is the horn." [50:10], highlighting the revelation's impact on the narrative.

The Summit Confrontation

At the summit, Micah publicly confronts Bryce, exposing her connection to the horn. This confrontation unfolds as the hosts describe:

• Micah's Accusations: "Why did you so happen to get attacked by a Crystalos within the hour of the Arkeesian amulet being melted off of you?" [45:19]
• Bryce's Defiance: Despite her injuries, Bryce attempts to maintain composure, hoping to deflect Micah's accusations. "I don't know what you're doing, but get a warrant or whatever." [21:43]

Micah's frustration escalates as Bryce continues to deny any knowledge about the horn. The tension peaks when Bryce tries to distract Micah with flirtatious tactics, which Micah dismisses sharply: "What are you talking about? Micah, you're being a real dumb angel right now." [45:33]

The Climactic Battle

The episode details the harrowing sequence where Micah injects Bryce with Synth, initiating the opening of the portal. The hosts vividly describe the scene:

• Micah's Threat: "I'm going to inject you with Synth and I am going to open that Damn portal. And you will die in the process." [73:35]
• Bryce's Desperation: Despite her injuries, Bryce uses a magic book to create a blinding light, momentarily slowing Micah: "A blinding light... she opens this blinding light from this book and it does at least give him a moment of temporary." [75:28]

The confrontation culminates with Bryces attempting to protect Syrinx, only to witness Micah's brutal actions against her and Syrinx, emphasizing the dire stakes involved.

---

Character Analysis

Bryce Quinlan

Bryce's character arc reaches a critical juncture as she grapples with betrayal, vulnerability, and resilience. Her decision to hide Luna's Horn underscores her protective instincts and loyalty, even amidst personal turmoil. Natalie observes, "She's a powerful warrior," highlighting Bryce's inner strength despite her outward fragility.

Micah Ignis

Micah emerges as the quintessential antagonist whose manipulative schemes drive the plot forward. His strategic use of Luna's Horn and alliance with Redner Industries reveal his ambition to ascend within the celestial hierarchy. Jackie comments on Micah's calculated nature: "Micah is a fucking narcissist," encapsulating his self-serving motives.

Supporting Characters

• Danika: Her sacrificial act of embedding the horn into Bryce's tattoo showcases her loyalty and foresight. Natalie notes, "Danika knew that Bryce was a powerful warrior," underscoring her pivotal role in the unfolding events.
• Syrinx: Representing innocence, Syrinx's plight amplifies the emotional gravity of the confrontation. Jackie empathizes, "Please read up until chapter 83," emphasizing the need for Bryce's salvation.

---

Themes and Insights

Power and Corruption

The episode explores the corrupting influence of power through Micah's relentless pursuit of the horn. His willingness to manipulate and harm others for his gains serves as a cautionary tale about ambition without morality.

Trust and Betrayal

Bryce's journey is marred by betrayal—from Danika's secretive actions to Micah's deceitful intentions. The delicate balance of trust within the Griffin Antiquities team is tested, highlighting the fragility of alliances in high-stakes environments.

Sacrifice and Redemption

Danika's sacrifice and Bryce's determination to protect Syrinx reflect the overarching theme of selflessness. These moments of vulnerability pave the way for potential redemption arcs and character growth.

---

Notable Quotes

• Natalie Jean on Bryce's State:
  "She has barely left Griffin's. She doesn't want to spend time alone in her apartment with the silence." [12:55]

• Jackie on Chimera Misconceptions:
  "A chimera does also have a snake's head. So. And we know that Syrinx doesn't have a snake's head." [04:30]

• Micah's Confrontation with Bryce:
  "I'm going to inject you with Synth and I am going to open that Damn portal. And you will die in the process." [73:35]

• Jackie on Micah's Nature:
  "Micah is a fucking narcissist," [65:17]

• Bryce's Desperation:
  "I don't know what you're doing, but get a warrant or whatever." [21:43]

---

Conclusions

Episode 24 of LPN Deep Dives: Crescent City masterfully dissects the escalating conflict between Bryce and Micah, highlighting the intricate web of alliances, betrayals, and personal struggles that define the series. Natalie Jean and Jackie Zebrowski provide insightful analysis, enriched with memorable quotes and thematic explorations, making this episode a compelling listen for both longtime fans and newcomers.

The hosts effectively capture the essence of the plot's progression, emphasizing the high stakes and emotional depth of the characters' journeys. As the story hurtles towards its climax, listeners are left eagerly anticipating the resolution of Bryce's battle against Micah's machinations.

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Transcript

[Natalie Jean]

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[Jackie Zabrowski]

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[Natalie Jean]

If you're nasty and you can too.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

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[Natalie Jean]

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[Jackie Zabrowski]

Visit fantastiquecollection.com and use our code FAYBAYES at checkout to receive $10 off of any of these events.

[Natalie Jean]

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[Jackie Zabrowski]

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[Natalie Jean]

Not only that, but if you use our code faybays at checkout for those events, you will receive an exclusive swag bag from the Weeknd.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I'll do anything for a swag bag, Natalie.

[Natalie Jean]

Give it to me.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yes, that's right. Use our code Faybase F A E B A e [e-mail] to get your $10 off of any of these events.

[Natalie Jean]

Dreamers and readers. Baby, I cannot wait for this.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Gimme, gimme.

[Natalie Jean]

Give me that swee.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Welcome to Crescent City with your hosts Natalie Jean and Jackie Zabrowski. It's hard. It's hard out here for a chimera because you know you gotta have the bird hands on but your wings are getting in the way. And it's just like I have to.

[Natalie Jean]

Point out a very fun and interesting Mandela effect.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh yeah.

[Natalie Jean]

So this is not to put you on blast. This is also in all of the art for searing. So many different people have given him wings. He doesn't have wings.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Whoa. But they say in the wiki that he's got wings. Are you sure?

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Because I looked up chimeras and chimeras have wings. Or is he a half chimera? But I guess I wouldn't be making bird noises. I'd be making noises slightly bigger than a terrier.

[Natalie Jean]

He has a wiry golden coat and his long tail is tufted with dark fur at the end of like a lion's. He has little ears, dark eyes and a round, fuzzy head. His scrunched up face is more like a dog than anything. He has wrinkles of fat, longer hair at his neck. That's not quite a man. He has two big paws and burl like talons. His body is stout with a little round and muscled shoulders and pointy sharp teeth. You've still crushed it. I'm like, look. Literally, even in the picture on Wiki. He has wings in the picture.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, my God.

[Natalie Jean]

That's what I'm saying. Mandela effect. Because she never describes him as having wings. But so many different people have drawn him. But maybe it's because of full chimera in mythology. In on Earth.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yes. So maybe it's just different.

[Natalie Jean]

He's not quite the same kind of chimera.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

But also a chimera does also have a snake's head. So. And we know that Syrinx doesn't have a snake's head. So I wonder if SJM was like, all right, I don't want all that. I just want him to kind of be a lion, but a little bit different.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

And I guess that's just what I am. But today I put the wings on.

[Natalie Jean]

I love it.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I already purchased the wings, so I'm going to wear the wings.

[Natalie Jean]

I think it's great.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Thank you.

[Natalie Jean]

I just think it's an interesting phenomenon. Everybody did it.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

The only main issue is with the bird hands. Can't look at the computer.

[Natalie Jean]

I mean, I do feel like you don't need to wear the bird hands.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

But if I'm already not. I guess if I'm already wearing wings, it's like, what character am I?

[Natalie Jean]

I knew who you are.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

What character am I?

[Natalie Jean]

What does she chime?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Thank you. Think of all the chimeras out there. I guess I should have a snake's head and then you'd be even more scared of me.

[Natalie Jean]

What was she mayor for?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, God. This is just. I'm having you know what? I'm having flashbacks to when I was a Sphinx. These are different winks than when I was wearing for the Sphinx.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, I agree. I think you did a great job.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Thank you. Thank you. I was complaining, though, earlier, because I purchased this. This is a men's costume. And I purchased a medium because I was like, oh, I'm sure it'll be really big. And it was like, it fits my legs, it fits my hips. It looks like it was made for me. And also, what man is shaped like me? Usually if you're selling like it's like it should be, then a unisex costume.

[Natalie Jean]

I'm not making a judgment call, but was it made.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Ouch.

[Natalie Jean]

Cheaply.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Ouch.

[Natalie Jean]

Because. Did it.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, dare. No, no. I watched them by hand make this lion's outfit. And I said, tighter. I want to say I said, show my bejeans in it.

[Natalie Jean]

I'm gonna guess they weren't doing really. Like, they weren't really checking measurements that much when they put it together.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I. Well, you know, this is a first. I. I didn't know you could offend me, but I guess I'm offended. It's like, added on to the wings pile over here. You could have said it before we started recording, Natalie.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, it's not an insult.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

What was I mean by guys? I guess.

[Natalie Jean]

Where are we?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I don't know how to feel. That's where we were.

[Natalie Jean]

I think it's really fun that the gang's all here today. The whole cast of the basement of Griffith's Antiquities is here.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Look at us. Just a gaggle of co workers. Although I know that you and Lele are, like, really starting to find the friendship that Lele always wanted. But let's be real. Who was always there for that? Right here. Oh, right fucking here. Sailings is always there. And maybe he doesn't have wings, all right? Maybe he looks at Hunt and wishes that he could have that kind of freedom. And just think, maybe somebody cut his wings off.

[Natalie Jean]

Well, we do know that he can teleport, which is pretty cool. Except probably in the basement of the library because there's a bunch of boards and charms and stuff on it.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah. So I'm just going to probably nap instead.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, I mean, I think that's mostly what Syrinx does in the basement.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I should have cut out the. The tits so that everyone could still see my tits. Everybody's always saying that about every Chimera outfit. It's like, how do I show more breast in this?

[Natalie Jean]

Getting really deep into the erotic side of furry worlds.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Because you're right.

[Natalie Jean]

Not all furries are doing it for sex reasons.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

No, you're damn right. And not all people that put on bird claw gloves expect to immediately start hand sweating inside of this.

[Natalie Jean]

Really?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I feel like no give whatsoever.

[Natalie Jean]

I wouldn't have guessed that it would.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

In case anybody was curious, I. My hand is covered in a sludge.

[Natalie Jean]

Already confused. Okay, so there's four claws on this. Where do the. Which fingers have to be smushed together?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I was doing. I was doing this one. That one. Yeah. The dude. Two middle. And so I get extra, extra.

[Natalie Jean]

Extra a.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

My bird.

[Natalie Jean]

That's cute.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Thank you. I'm going to take them off, though, so that I'm not just sitting here thinking about them sliding slowly off my hands.

[Natalie Jean]

I feel like that's probably for the best.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Just don't.

[Natalie Jean]

You don't need to wear.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Should I put on my lion's paws? Because the lion's paws are attached to the costume. Thank God. I do think I look very cute as a little lion. You do.

[Natalie Jean]

You look adorable.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Thank you.

[Natalie Jean]

I love it.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Thank you.

[Natalie Jean]

I feel like you might need your hands.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

All right, fine. I let them free.

[Natalie Jean]

But I like that you have three different hand options for this day.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

But also all of them take away from my slime.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah. How are you going to do slime with paws on?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Slime comes first. Then comes marriage.

[Natalie Jean]

You should try to do the slime with the sex claws on.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, with the claw. I worried that it would get. Because my problem is sometimes what they they don't tell you about slime is that you'll be playing with it and you're not paying attention. And sometimes it gets stuck in your hair, and then you got to rip out your hair. Apparently you can get it out with, like, conditioner and stuff. But I have also learned some textures. Stick to the slime and take your slime.

[Natalie Jean]

Of course.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

So I'm scared of using it with the birds because then I, I. I don't want to ruin my slime.

[Natalie Jean]

What was slime made for?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Was slime made for. And I think it was this just desperate, gripping. All right, guys, I guess we gotta go back to Griffin antiquity. Come on, co workers. Let's all go to the workplace. Let's all workplace and have ourselves a read. Although I don't know if Syrinx is reading anything.

[Natalie Jean]

No. And also, Bryce does have snacks down there, so. Yes. You could just do the original song.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

All right, all right.

[Natalie Jean]

Just hold on to your britches, though. Grab them panties, because we're about to get in to a lot of information.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I don't know if you know this, Natalie, but chimeras don't wear pennies sometimes. It's a good man. You got a free ball. Wow. I have underpants on.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I don't know where this comes.

[Natalie Jean]

That'd be weird though, if the chimera had underwear on. That's what I'm saying. Connected to its bones under its fur.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Underneath the fur. Yeah, that or you're just having to like wrap a diapey around it every which. Do you want to deal with that? I imagine I take pretty big dukes.

[Natalie Jean]

Okay, this is. This is really derailing. So we're with Bryce in the gallery library in the. At the beginning of chapter 76.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yes.

[Natalie Jean]

Pouring over books as she usually is. She's taken another Arkesian amulet from Jesper's safe, knowing that Jesper is too busy to notice. So Jessica apparently has a stockpile of these 3,4 million gold mark pieces of jewelry.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I mean, I guess when you get them on sale, you just get the whole gaggle. Ho. I almost knocked over my coffee. And that would have been hilarious.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, that was what I was gonna say. But we don't really know that much about the Arkeesian ambulance at this point. But it does seem as though it's meant as some kind of powerful, like a protection. It kind of seems that way, but we haven't really learned too much.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

But it is very expensive, so I ain't. I do know it's not just your average necklace.

[Natalie Jean]

That's true. So she has taken another one because the last one, Sandriel melted in the lobby. Like the Conrad she is.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah.

[Natalie Jean]

And she hopes also in this moment, Bryce is down in the, you know, basement. She is thinking about how she hopes Jesiba is too busy to notice a lot of things that are going on right now. Bryce is in that phase after kind of a breakup where she's kind of just letting herself go.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah, Nothing really matters anymore.

[Natalie Jean]

She has barely left Griffin's. She doesn't want to spend time alone in her apartment with the silence. She's also just taken to wearing gym clothes to work, which as we know, Jesupa would not be approving of. She usually has to dress up really fancy for work.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

But I will say I appreciate that you're given such a great Bryce vibe today, Nat, because you've got the gym clothes on, but you still have the full Fay face of makeup and you look great.

[Natalie Jean]

It is because I was wearing it for another thing before this, but thank You.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

No, I think that you did it on purpose, because I do kind of feel like even though she's letting herself go, I kind of feel like Bryce would be, like, wearing gym clothes, but, like, still sadly, like, put on a full face, full beat. Yeah. Just to, like, you know, not want to give it all. Like, you don't want to throw it all away.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, no, I get. I mean, I usually wear makeup for myself.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yes.

[Natalie Jean]

I don't really wear it for, like, sexual enticement. I like wearing makeup.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah. Makes me feel good about myself also, I gotta say. Whoa. You comfy?

[Natalie Jean]

Well, these are. She has pink sneakers on, and you've.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Got pink sneakers on. Look, everyone, look at her sneakers. They are pink. We see them. And you look great.

[Natalie Jean]

Okay, here we go. And get back down there.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Lego.

[Natalie Jean]

There we go.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Very impressive. Though I certainly can't get that foot up here. Not right now. Not wearing this costume.

[Natalie Jean]

I don't think I could either if I was wearing that costume. It seems like a bit of a hindrance.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah, it's, like, barely Velcroed onto my body, and if I move too much, I'm worried. Oops, my bosom pop out. So I think that's why I was talking about my breasts earlier.

[Natalie Jean]

It seems like there are some documentaries about that.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, would you show me some?

[Natalie Jean]

Not in the workplace.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Okay, so. But at Griffin Antiquity. Like, I feel like you would show Syrinx a little bit of porn. Ew.

[Natalie Jean]

No. Syrinx is a baby.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

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[Natalie Jean]

Warning.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Beverage may cause craving for McMuffin or hash browns. Prices and participation may vary. Cannot be combined with any other offer or combo meal. Don't show porn to babies, everybody. Oh, Lamba. What is happening?

[Natalie Jean]

She tried to bail on that conversation.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I. It was getting dicey.

[Natalie Jean]

All right, baby girl, you stay right there, okay? We got her back. She's also canceled all the client meetings. And I support her in these choices. Like, live comfortably in this moment. Yes. Don't worry about work. Sometimes work's not the most important thing on earth.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I don't understand, Natalie.

[Natalie Jean]

Well, we have to have a conversation.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I don't understand.

[Natalie Jean]

So she's been like eating down there. She's like, take out. It is full breakup zone. She's got like takeout everywhere and just not really living at 100 right now.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah, well, it's. It's somebody's hundred. It just depends on if it's hers or not.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, I mean, it does sound fun. I know guys are great.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah.

[Natalie Jean]

But she is not doing great. She doesn't feel good. Obviously. She's worried about Hunt. And she barely feels concerned about her own like, future or the consequences of what she's doing in the store. Because Jesiba is cruel and beautiful.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

God, she's beautiful.

[Natalie Jean]

She wants out though. Bryce is done. She's like putting applications in. She's like, I, you know, let her be pissed. Let her fire me. Although I would be scared more of being like, like transfixed into like a creature or something like that. But she's. She's. She's quiet. Quitting is what we're doing. She's doing.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh yeah, we've all been there before.

[Natalie Jean]

So she just like let the cards fall where they may. She's looking over the books right now. It's not anymore to find information about the horn like it had been or the Crystal oaths. She is now trying to find any sort of loophole to Free Hunt in all of the legal books and just rights and things like that. Things that she could present.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yes.

[Natalie Jean]

Which again, they're not playing a fair game. So I don't think she's going to be able to find anything.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

No, it doesn't really matter if you've got the proof or the receipts. I don't think they really care at this point.

[Natalie Jean]

They just would make like they just like poof it away. They'd be like, oh, I guess it never existed.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

It does make sense though that she's looking down there. Because I feel like just like a simple Google search I don't think is going to do it in this case. Like, I think you do got to go to the special books and good honor.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, maybe she's trying to use like her finally her. Her Fae privileges to find a way that the Fae would be like, I oversee I as the Autumn Kings princess. Something like that. And it is also incredibly Tedious. It's going through legalese books. And she.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

It's.

[Natalie Jean]

She's still trying, but it's very, very boring. She and Lahaba are reading, and this in the moment of the chapter, through another row of dry legal paragraphs, when she notices the knock in his giant tank on the other side of the wall. Starts to become active, almost looking gleefully as though it's excited.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Syrinx growled. Not at the tank, at the green carpeted stairs. Casual footsteps thudded. Bryce was instantly standing, reaching for her phone. A pair of boots, then dark jeans and then snow white wings. An unfairly beautiful face. Micah. Well, yeah, that's a. That's a big old F right there.

[Natalie Jean]

So that's bad news. Probably.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah. Also, especially when you're in the middle of, like, your post breakup funk of like, please don't make me deal with other things.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, yeah, just government things.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah, it's like, I don't care.

[Natalie Jean]

Like, doing your taxes.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Who cares?

[Natalie Jean]

Showing up for court. Though she has a thousand reasons to fear this unexpected visit, her first instinct is to panic over what he is walking into. So, yeah, the idea of Micah being there is not pleasant. She's afraid. But more than anything, she knows this library is supposed to be a secret. There's a reason that Jesapa puts wards over it that very few people know it even exists.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, no.

[Natalie Jean]

And now this archangel, the government is walking into it, and she is like, what do I do? I need to end this. I need to get him upstairs. I need to. What. What actions do I need to take to mitigate the situation?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Natalie knows what it is, where it is, but also how to get inside of it, because, you know, it's warded, so it's like, he must. It's creepy.

[Natalie Jean]

I think in this moment she might realize and understand that Micah can get through any of the wards, and he's just always just pretending like he can't. So these books are contraband, if you'll recall, he seems vaguely amused as he reaches the lower landing, telling her he came in because the door was open.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Sure.

[Natalie Jean]

Bryce, attempting to maintain her cool, offers to sit with him upstairs while she phones for Jesupa. Trying to normal, like, be not, you know, trying to maintain this, like, air of normalcy so that maybe he will also do that where she just. She just goes, oh, did you want. Hey, I'll. I'll sit you upstairs and we'll call Jesiba. Like, not acting like total panic mode.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Is happening, which good for her, because again, I am not very good at hiding my emotions. I don't know what I would do. I think I just burst into tears. He's like, no, I'm not here. Don't look at me, please.

[Natalie Jean]

I think you could actually. I think in that moment you would.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Like, have some kind of self preservation.

[Natalie Jean]

I think you would. So of course he's not interested. He's not there to talk about buying art. As his gaze sweeps over the rows of books. He doesn't seem surprised by the books. However, she tries to swallow her panic again as he ca. As she casually asks him if she can show him some stuff upstairs and he can kind of just tell her what he's looking for.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Micah folded his wings and turned to her.

[Natalie Jean]

What I'm looking for.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

He pinned her with those icy eyes.

[Natalie Jean]

I'm looking for you. No.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Come on. Oh, come on.

[Natalie Jean]

Feelings of dread much is what I wrote. We cut over to the same moment with Hunt. So now we're at his pov. He is at the summit, if you'll recall. The big old summit of all of the veneer is happening, which is just a, you know, it's just a charade.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Fans getting back together, though, you know, Got to feel it. Got to feel the rhythm, feel the ride.

[Natalie Jean]

That's what you think's happening at the summit?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah. Bobsledding.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, bobsledding, of course. Oh, they're like, working out whose people? Which veneer the best.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah. Which one goes in the back with the egg? And like, I think it's just like. And then like, Dougie. Doug shows up and nobody knows why. They're like, we haven't heard from you in generations.

[Natalie Jean]

That's probably. You're right. I. I forgot about that part of the summit that they're having. So he is bored as hell and he wants to try to be grateful because he knows his upcoming fate is not good. No, it's not going to be boredom. He looks, but it's still like, you can't fight if you're bored, you're bored. So then you can do about it.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

No.

[Natalie Jean]

He looks around the room and observes everyone at about the same level of interest as him. He's pretty sure Ruhn's actually asleep.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

It's got to be really difficult to have, like, something like a lightning power and not be able to, like, I'm just thinking about me and my slime. Me and my slime. And I feel like if I had lightning power to entertain myself, I'd probably just sit there and like, zap at. Oh, you think myself or my fingers.

[Natalie Jean]

Pointing his Fingers at each other, just going, like, Right.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I feel like, especially if, you know, in these kind of summits, you can't have your phone out, so you got to play with something. And it's not like they're bringing. I don't think it's a slime summit. I don't think they'd be pro slime at the summit. So you got to play with something. But he can't even do that because he's got its course shackles on.

[Natalie Jean]

Yep. He can't do anything. Which is, again, my nightmare. The, the idea of boredom being, like, unable to entertain myself.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Nightmare.

[Natalie Jean]

Horrible.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Go ahead, torture me. Don't let me. Bored.

[Natalie Jean]

At least let me stretch or something.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah, right.

[Natalie Jean]

Having a thing in there.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

At least let me just slowly add things to a shopping cart on a website that I'm probably not gonna buy. I'm just gonna leave the tab open, but let me do it while I watch Love is Bland.

[Natalie Jean]

Love Is Planned.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah, that's what we're calling it. Because it's boring. Whoa.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, it's all pointless anyway, because again, this doesn't actually. They have to do whatever the Asteri want, and so it's just all. It's an act theater.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Right.

[Natalie Jean]

Sandriel is just going to wear them all down until they agree to whatever the Asteri wants them to do. Suddenly, in the middle of a droning argument, somebody's phone goes off. He looks around, and he's surprised to see that it's Jesiba's phone.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Exactly what I was just talking about. Like, it's also. Put it on do not disturb. I, I, I'm just doing podcasts here, and I've got my phone on do not disturb. Like you should pro to do not disturb, but I don't think Jesper really cares. No.

[Natalie Jean]

And also, please interrupt Sandriel.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

God. Right.

[Natalie Jean]

So he is surprised to see it's Jesper's phone. And she starts tapping away. She's reading something, and then she starts tapping away on her phone. And after just a moment of this, Jesupa interrupts Sandria.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Whoa.

[Natalie Jean]

Which Jesiba is one of the only people with enough tude to do that.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Big move, dude.

[Natalie Jean]

Telling her there's something important they all need to watch. Of course Sandriel's irritated, but now her interest is piqued. So Jesiba asks Declan to link her phone to the massive screens that are all over the room, which is where the Asteri appeared earlier.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Declan's laptop was open a heartbeat later. He frowned at what popped up on the laptop. But then he hit a button and revealed dozens of different video feeds, all from Griffin Antiquities in the lower right corner, in a familiar library. Hunt forgot to breathe entirely. Because, remember last episode, we were all like, where's Michael?

[Natalie Jean]

It's so weird Micah's not there. Well, we found him.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Everybody that's anybody at the summit knows where he is now.

[Natalie Jean]

So Hunt, obviously, his terror is, like, running through him at this realization. So Bryce has managed to get a message to Jesiba. In this moment, whenever Micah has shown up down there. And now the room is watching what is playing out in Griffin's library basement, which is also big. She's revealing a big secret to everybody. But, you know, you got to. In this. In this instance.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

But also, I'm really glad that we're dressed the way that we're dressed this time, because I really feel like we're in this together, Natalie.

[Natalie Jean]

I know. No, I think it's great we ended up unintentionally doing that.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, my God. It is the beauty of us never telling each other what costumes we're about to wear.

[Natalie Jean]

Not telling each other because it's fun when we end up accidentally being the same character.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah. You guys remember when we were the Viper queens? Yeah.

[Natalie Jean]

The Viper's queen.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

The Viper's queen. Thank you. The Viper's queen.

[Natalie Jean]

So even Sandriel, in this moment, seems shocked, because we actually have no idea who's in cahoots here. We don't know what's happening, but Sandriel hunters watching Sandriel seem to be genuinely in shock that Micah is in this basement.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

But also very interesting that Sandril's like. You don't know how to, like, cover up those emotions yet. But I guess if you're that shocked, you know, even an angel will show their cards.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah. I do think that if it's enough of a surprise, you just kind of show it a little bit.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah. You have a human interaction. Interesting sun drill.

[Natalie Jean]

Humans grow gross.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I know.

[Natalie Jean]

So he also hears her mutter that he told her that Micah told her he had a meeting to go to that morning. And so what the hell is this?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

It's kind of funny for her to mutter. That's what I'm meaning. It does weirdly humanize an angel in. In an interesting way.

[Natalie Jean]

It's just. Yeah. Hapless after just a moment. Declan has also managed to connect sound to the library. So I guess because Bryce is projecting this, he can, like, get the sound, like, the audio from the basement as well. And Bryce can be Heard all throughout the summit room asking Micah if he'd like something to eat as she pours him wine. Before anyone comments anything. Run. Is jumping into action. He's angrily demanding an OX unit head over to the library and immediately to deal with this. Sandriel being professional.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Damn right.

[Natalie Jean]

Snaps. That having bad taste in females isn't a crime.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Big. She's a big angel.

[Natalie Jean]

But you can also kind of gauge she's irritated that Micah was going behind her back to do something and lying to her.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah, because it's like, if there's.

[Natalie Jean]

What?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Like, I know that nobody can trust the angels, but the angels should, I would assume, be able to trust each other. Or, yeah, at least be, like, know the subterfuge.

[Natalie Jean]

Dastardly on the same side.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Exactly. Exactly.

[Natalie Jean]

So after Sandrio makes that comment, even though Hunt's magic balls are in a vice, he can't help but let a growl out at the insult. The room watches helplessly as Bryce attempts to placate Micah's inquiries about what's going on in the basement here. He wants to know what she's been doing. She tells him, oh, she's just been down here reading, looking up stuff because Hunt's her friend.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I'm just a girl being a girl.

[Natalie Jean]

So he's noticed that she's going through law books, and she doesn't really lie to him. She says, I'm trying to help Hans. He's my friend. He mocks her for this, nodding to her loyalty of all of her friendships, even the dead friends who might be lying. Crack horse.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Which is not okay, bro.

[Natalie Jean]

What he's insinuating. And mind you, this is all being viewed through the screens of the summit, and they're just all watching this play out through Hun's eyes. Bryce seems to know better than to snap at him in that moment, even though he's insulting Danika intentionally. And she meekly tells him no one seems to know the full truth, so who knows if she is or not.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

She is good in these moments. Bryce is very good with the mouth in these moments.

[Natalie Jean]

I mean, you'd have to, like, this is a dangerous person. He's like, yeah, you don't want to. You don't want to mess about with him.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Not dude.

[Natalie Jean]

So Hunt hears Amelie in the summit room, suggest to Sabine they send a wolf pack over there to help. But Sabine shuts it down.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

But also, okay, Amelie. Yeah.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, yeah.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, now. Now I'm interesting. Okay, fine.

[Natalie Jean]

They hear Micah taunt her with threats about having these books. So Micah is. He knows this Stuff is down here, and he knows how dangerous it is. And so he's kind of teasing her, being like, you know, I can kill you for this.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

This seems like he's, like, playing with his food before he eats it.

[Natalie Jean]

Absolutely.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

You know what I mean?

[Natalie Jean]

Yes, absolutely. He's. He's just trying to toy with her, really. And the possessions of these books warrants a death penalty. He explains more to the readers, I think, than anything. So we know that these books are not supposed to be in the hands of anyone but the Asteri. So we're going to get a lot of, like, story exposition through this. They hold knowledge, these books of ancient humans. The sciences, history, no citizens of Midgard are supposed to know about.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Interesting.

[Natalie Jean]

You don't want to trust anybody who tries to hide knowledge from you. Right? Somebody who wants to burn books. Somebody wants to hide books.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, yeah, yeah. You probably shouldn't be trusting those people.

[Natalie Jean]

Just saying. And this. These histories of this ancient world describe a world in which the veneer didn't rule over the human beings. And then we watch the summit. Watch Micah watch. Reveals some Midgard lore. Bryce acts dumb, and he tells her that these books are what's left of the lost libraries of Parthos. We heard about the story of Parthos way back in chapter 34, when Brunt is looking for info on the Crystallos and they see that vase. So in that chapter, they bring up that Parthos is what most people believe is a myth. The way that we think about Atlantis, like the Lost city.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

You think Atlantis is a myth?

[Natalie Jean]

No.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

No, I'm just saying the water, it gets bigger, and the water, it gets smaller. And that's what it says in those books. And so that's why you don't need to go all the way to Parthos. Just ask me and I'll let you know.

[Natalie Jean]

I mean, I do feel like Syrinx does have a wealth of knowledge.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Right. I mean, obviously, like, it can't just be a teleportation thing. There's got to be so much more to Syrin that if you just took a moment to look over at Syrinx for a second.

[Natalie Jean]

Whoa.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

And maybe ask what Syrinx thought about the situation, maybe you'd learn a little bit more and maybe I'd be helping you. But for now, I'm a nap. Like a little cat, but. Except I'm a lion and a dog.

[Natalie Jean]

Kind of.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

And a dog and kind of a pug. Yeah. But not a snake. There's no snake. A part of me.

[Natalie Jean]

So. Yes, we heard about Parthos. All the way back in chapter 34. And most people think Parthos is this myth, but Micah, he says, no, no, no, no. It is suppressed history. Bryce tries to nonchalantly play this off, saying, oh, this is a bedtime story for humans. And he laughs, retorting that she is wearing an Arkesian amulet as she says this. That is the symbol of the priestesses of Parthos, you fool.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, guardians.

[Natalie Jean]

The priestesses were the guardians of the books of Parthos, dude. So she's wearing. And we don't actually know in this moment whether or not she realizes that. I don't think she does, though.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah. Or at least she wasn't thinking about it recently.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah. Grinning, he goes on to tell the tale of the human's last stand. 15,000 years ago, it took place right there in Parthos. And the humans lost most of their history. Their books burned with the loss. But those armies, they had gone in knowing that they were to be doomed. And they only did so to give the priestesses time to save a fraction of those precious books. And that's what now is sitting in the basement of Griffin Antiquities.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

And it just makes Jesiba even more attractive to me. Like, just that story of just, like, saving the books. Be with me. And that's me as Jackie, not me as Syrinx. Because I don't know what Syrinx wants. Like, I. I mean. I mean, earlier he was kind of hitting on Lab, I guess, but, you know, you're small, I'm small. I think we can make something work. I'm looking at you, Lele.

[Natalie Jean]

I do feel like they're still not size compatible, though.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

No, probably not. I don't want to rip her.

[Natalie Jean]

No, don't. Also, I think if you tried to enter her, she would burn you. You know what I mean?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

But maybe it's like a kind of like, spice of life, you know, like a lube.

[Natalie Jean]

Like a hot lube.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Hot lube.

[Natalie Jean]

I hate that.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

You know, it gets it all. Warm it up.

[Natalie Jean]

You ever have those condoms that are supposed to, like, be temperature changing and stuff? No. Thank you.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I guess it's more so. Just that I don't know what's on it, you know what I mean? And that kind of stuff. Unless you're getting, like, real nice ones. Like, it's like. I understand getting, like, a warming lubricant from a nice company, but I worry about whatever they're putting on the outside of those, you know, Trojans.

[Natalie Jean]

The gas station ones.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Maybe they're putting that. Yeah. What is it called like spider veins in it. Spider horse. Horse hair.

[Natalie Jean]

You mean like horny goat weed?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah, horny goat weed. That's what I was thinking of.

[Natalie Jean]

Spanish fly.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yes, that's what I was thinking of. Yeah, but the veins on it.

[Natalie Jean]

Gross.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Because the blood is flowing.

[Natalie Jean]

I don't know.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I don't know.

[Natalie Jean]

Spider face is not a sexy term.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh yeah, my veins are pulsing for you.

[Natalie Jean]

I do consider sometimes, if I'd ever. I have. I'm getting like, I have a bunch of spider veins.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, I've had him stripped from my leg. Girl, I'll talk to you about spider veins all day.

[Natalie Jean]

All right, I'll talk. I'll hit you up after this.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

We'll talk. Oh, don't worry. Guys. The electrifying conversation of Jackie and Natalie talking about spider face.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, baby. Well, apparently it's. They put it on condoms.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah, dude, it gets you horned up if you just give it a try. One person's trash is another person's treasure.

[Natalie Jean]

That's true. So Hunt watches Jesiba as all of these truths are revealed in front of everyone. He wonders if this has something to do with why she defected from the Witch clan.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

That.

[Natalie Jean]

Who is Jesiba? Why does she have these books?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Why is she so beautiful?

[Natalie Jean]

No. He only has eyes for Bryce.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, he only has eyes for Bryce.

[Natalie Jean]

As Micah continues to taunt Bryce with his knowledge, Jesiba finally speaks up inside the Summit room. She begs the Fae boys to save the books. Anger sparks through Hunt at the disregard for Bryce that had just been displayed from her boss.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Let's be real though. Did we ever expect Jesiba to throw herself down on the ground to protect another person?

[Natalie Jean]

Not that we. Well, we know of her so far.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Not so far. That's what I'm saying.

[Natalie Jean]

So far we don't know everything about what's going on. It could be a much bigger picture happening.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

You're right. Why did she leave?

[Natalie Jean]

And also, if you don't save the books, you can't get the stickers to get a personal pan pizza for free.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh my God. Book it. Give me that. Deep dish pizza.

[Natalie Jean]

So I get why she wants to.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Say the personal band pizzas. Yeah, they were like a thick crust. Oh yeah, yeah, they had the like the crispy cheese edge.

[Natalie Jean]

If. Yeah, if you are a child of the 90s. Pizza huts used to be sit down restaurants. It was a fancy go out for us.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Please start paying me in pizza to read again.

[Natalie Jean]

Like I absolutely would do that.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I would. I'd do it for a slice. I'll read a book for a slice. You give me free pizza, I'll do almost anything.

[Natalie Jean]

Please. Book for slice.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

It just tastes better. It tastes better when you get it.

[Natalie Jean]

For free and you read books and.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

You learned and isn't that nice?

[Natalie Jean]

I mean, that was a fun ass collab. I get they probably wouldn't do it nowadays, but.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I know. Or I guess they'd have to do it with, like, carrots. Oh, you get carrots. Like, fuck off.

[Natalie Jean]

Nobody's reading a book for carrots.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

What am I, a horse?

[Natalie Jean]

Sorry.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Although I would be really cute as a horse. I look pretty cute as a lion.

[Natalie Jean]

So you would be a cute horse.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I'll work on it. Work on it. There's something wrong with that. Horse. Horse. Well, this is. Now it's just a snapshot of what Jackie does when she's by herself. Make sounds until I laugh.

[Natalie Jean]

They all watch as Bryce sets down the wine and cheese in front of Micah that she's procured for him. And then, hands behind her back, frantically points towards the stairs at Lehaba and Syrinx, imploring them to run because there's a bunch of cameras so they can see her back too, in these moments. So they're all watching her basically hand beg Syrinx to leave.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

They don't leave.

[Natalie Jean]

They won't go. I'll never leave you.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I didn't even know you ripped my wings.

[Natalie Jean]

Yes, she cut them off.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah, so that I can't leave her. And it would make sense that Bryce would do that.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, my God. Have you ever seen video of a queen anti ripping her own wings off? It's crazy. No, she has to fly to, like, make her new net. What are they called? Hill Nest. You know how they have. You know how, like. Oh, no.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Clubhouse.

[Natalie Jean]

You know, like, their queen aunt is, like, doesn't, like, move. She, like, stays inside.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah. And then they bring her everything.

[Natalie Jean]

She makes her flight, and then she rips her own wings off and then walks into this place. She's just gonna, like, live forever, bro.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

That's pretty awesome. Oh, man, if I had had wings, I would have ripped them off. When I got married to Jeff, I say that's. I said, I'll take the sky away from me just for your love, baby. I wouldn't. I would not. I would actually add extra wings just so I could fly farther, faster, but also I could hold him in my arms while I did it.

[Natalie Jean]

Please make me a bird. Wait, do ants and bees have a queen? Yeah, I didn't ever thought about that.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, yeah.

[Natalie Jean]

So she is imploring them to leave. And Bryce then employs what sometimes we women do to get out of a scary situation is to flirt with somebody in a way that you don't want to. Yes, but you have to find an exit out of where you are.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Use what you got.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah. So she tries this with Micah, hoping to distract him for a time, asking if he's there to just ask her out again, and bats her eyelashes.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I will say don't do that to get out of a ticket. But I will say highly encourage pretending like you have to shit very, very badly.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, sure.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I have gotten out of two tickets this way, that I was speeding and I was driving erratically because I really had to shit.

[Natalie Jean]

Well, you.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

But I tried. No.

[Natalie Jean]

Okay.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

But I was told my. My dad told me that he's like that, that that's a good way. So I'm letting everybody know if they're. I mean, also, they might just give you the ticket anyway. Not give a shit. I. Don't get me wrong. I'm sure there are bad cops out there.

[Natalie Jean]

Why were you driving erratically, Jackie?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Because I'm fun.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, okay. You're having. You're being a fun girl.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah, I was being a fudgeing fun time. And, yeah, maybe I don't have patience to use the turn signals. Actually, that's not true. I always use my turn signals, and I get very annoyed when people.

[Natalie Jean]

I become so enraged, Karen. Like.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yes, But I do. I will say living in Los Angeles has made me a bit of an. I. I don't know how to describe it. An unwieldy driver. I kind of throw caution to the wind sometimes.

[Natalie Jean]

See, I go the opposite direction to show everybody how good of a driver I am and go like, oh, you sad people.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

You shouldn't be doing that. Yes, I do understand that. I do. I. I used to feel that way. But then you got to let it all. Gotta let it all go.

[Natalie Jean]

Like, my. Let me be clear. What I'm doing is also obnoxious.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah. No, it does honestly also remind me of my father who used to. When he. He always loved to go like 10 miles under the speed limit, especially when someone was getting really angry because he was going slowly.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh. I mean, that is also not about. I used to also write drive on. I used to drive on highways by myself all the time, like long distance. And I would end up getting into those interactions on the highway. Please don't do that.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Don't. Not. Not in this day and age. We can't do that anymore.

[Natalie Jean]

No, I Mean people are absolutely insane. Don't break check. People, please.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

No, don't do it.

[Natalie Jean]

Got guns. There's so much crazy road rage.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Don't trust anyone.

[Natalie Jean]

No, just don't. Please let them be a prick and, like, get out of their way.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Say that to me when I'm behind the wheel. Just like, no, shut up. I'm like, not.

[Natalie Jean]

But I.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Don't roll down the windows.

[Natalie Jean]

Please don't.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

You don't roll down the windows.

[Natalie Jean]

But. So she tried this flirt tactic, but he's not buying it this time. He tells her to sit down, he wants to have a talk, and they should at least be civilized for this conversation. She asks him what this is all about. He replies with you giving me Luna's h.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

What are you talking about? What are you talking about? Micah, you're being a real dumb angel right now. That's what I would say. And this is why Bryce is much better with her mouth than I am. You're being dumb angel.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, that's not a good way to respond.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

No, I'm not very good with quippy comebacks.

[Natalie Jean]

I don't mean quibi. I just mean safety wise.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah. Oh, yeah. I mean that too. Yes.

[Natalie Jean]

So we've returned to Bryce's POV in the same moment at chapter 77, and she's wondering if Jespa was able to see the messages, if she could, and if she can see what's happening. So she's not even aware that Jesupa has patched them into this. She just has to hope. As far as we the reader knows, Bryce doesn't know where the horn is. And so him saying, give me the Luna's horn is, like, confusing.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

It's very confusing.

[Natalie Jean]

Micah doesn't seem to believe that Bryce doesn't know where the horn is, as she says, and rapidly his anger is rising to the surface. He leans in from where he's seated across from her and tells her that he thinks that she actually has figured out where Luna's horn is. A couple days ago, when Bryce says that she's flattered that he thinks she's that smart, he says, you're not. But Danica was. What? So we're getting so much as the reader are getting the reveal that Bryce has figured out where Luna's horn is, essentially.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

And she didn't even tell us.

[Natalie Jean]

She didn't even tell us. So what's happening? With terror building in Bryce, Micah reveals that she and Hunt had been right. That synth does work on the horn. Bryce maintains her composure, telling him she doesn't Know what he's talking about. And if he wants to arrest her, he needs to get a warrant. But angels do what angels do.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

You're right.

[Natalie Jean]

And as she gets up to walk towards the stairs, he stops her with a hand gripping her shirt. Do not lie. We cut over to Hunt's pov.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I'm sorry, I'm just making a. Just a scared face over here because it's a lot. And I'm trying to not interrupt you because this is a lot. So I'm trying to let you get through it. You know what I mean?

[Natalie Jean]

And that is her in that moment again. Her trying to act more nonchalant than she's feeling so that she doesn't kind of escalate the situation. And so she's kind of like, trying to play casual, being like, listen, I don't know what you're doing, but, like, get a warrant or whatever. If this is a thing. Inside, she's terrified and panicking, of course. So she gets up to try to just, like, play it off as though she's just going to walk away. And that's when he grabs her. We cut over to Hunt's panic as this is happening, despite knowing the consequences, he attempts to run out of the room. Sandriel, using her wind, presses him back into the wall with a single thought and also kind of pushes the wind down his throat so he can't speak or scream or anything. So he's forced. Unable to move. Watch Micah on the screen as he runs his hands down Bryce's body.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Bryce wasn't stupid enough to try to run as Micah ran his fingers back up her spine, intent in every stroke. Hunt's jaw clenched so hard it hurt, his breath coming out in great bellowing pants. He'd kill him. He'd find a way to get free of Sandriel and fucking kill Micah for that touch.

[Natalie Jean]

So he shouldn't be touching her.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

No, but what is.

[Natalie Jean]

So what is this about? Bryce continues to play dumb, and Micah challenges her, asking her, just why did she so happen to get attacked by a Crystalos within the hour of the Arkeesian amulet being melted off of her from Sandriel? She's like, me not. No.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

She keeps making the Tim Allen grunts and, like, Micah's not getting the reference. And I feel like at this point she should be like, I'm sorry, I've been doing the Tim Allen grunts this entire time, and you're really not giving me big ups for doing so well with my grunting. But I guess that's like a Sidebar in this part that we don't get.

[Natalie Jean]

It could have been a good distraction. I think you could have brought it up. God.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

See, maybe I would be great in this situation.

[Natalie Jean]

I think so. So he's, of course, referencing whenever she was across from the bone gate, the bone quarter, whenever the Crystalos appeared right after the interactions in the lobby. His irritation is rising at her feigned ignorance, as though he can see through the act. He reveals that she figured it out that day, that she doesn't have the horn.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

She is the horn. Bum, bum, bum. What? But. But wait. It was in the museum.

[Natalie Jean]

But wait, how Me? What? So, yes, we learn in this moment that the horn is in Bryce, that Danika had ground it down, had it tattooed into the tattoo that she got on her back with Danica that day when they were drunk, which is. You should never do that when you're drunk.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Whoa. I was just looking to see because it was like, man, it must have really. With the tattoo with the Luna's horn in it, because I look up. I did look up how to put cremation ashes into a tattoo, because I feel like that is as close to, like, a weird thing that you would put into a tattoo that you would get tattooed into your body. And you can actually do that. Yeah, it does make it. I was trying to see, like, what it does and if it makes, like, the tattoo look a specific way, because it's got human remains in it, but I guess it doesn't. So there you go.

[Natalie Jean]

I wonder if that really is safe. I have no idea.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

It says it. It's apparently completely safe. It's not unhygienic, and it just makes the ink a little bit chalky.

[Natalie Jean]

Well, in this case, with the horn, they're also using witch ink. So, yeah, a lot of elements are going on here. All right.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, because they have their witch ink. So they can do all their special things with their witch ink. Yeah. You hate being a human.

[Natalie Jean]

I do, too. So, yes, we have learned that Danika ground this down into the back tattoo. Hunt's stomach drops. He doesn't know this. And we're watching, obviously, from the summit Room at this point. Fury is also there, if you'll recall. And who is watching all of this also shouts out, clearly unaware of this revelation, because you never know with these. These gals, they hide a lot of.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Stuff from Bryce, you're right.

[Natalie Jean]

But Fury seems shocked that this is where the horn is. He further reveals that her tattoo doesn't say through love, all is possible that it's the equivalent of a spell in an ancient universal language.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Also, Micah, why are you so obsessed with me? It's like, get a fucking hobby. I don't know what you need to do. Like, maybe you need to take up, like, canning or something. Become a pickle angel or something. I just feel like you've got too much fucking time on your hands.

[Natalie Jean]

Well, he has dastardly plans. So throughout all this, they are watching Micah, still holding on to Bryce possessively, telling her, he theorizes that when he channels his power through her tattoo, that it will awaken the horns. Magic.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

You better not, Micah.

[Natalie Jean]

It sounds not good now. So she's like, nah. And she reverse headbutts him. I don't know how you call that. She does a backwards heads him.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah, I have.

[Natalie Jean]

I did a stunt sequence that had that in it.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh. How do you do it properly?

[Natalie Jean]

Well, you have to fake it through while you start. So you do. You have to do several takes.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Because I know when you hit someone in the head, you're supposed to. You're supposed to aim for the bridge of the nose, right?

[Natalie Jean]

Not in. I mean, in the real. In real world. But you definitely won't do that in the stunt.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

No, not in the stunt world. I meant, I. I'm not asking safely. I just don't. I don't. I mean, surprise. I've never headbutted anybody before.

[Natalie Jean]

Always go for anything with the softest cartilage or the neck eyeballs. You want to go for the things that are, like, kind of scary to go for, like, soft parts if you want to get away from somebody.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

All right. I love this. Thank you, Natalie.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah. So she headbutts him. But, like, I gotta say, Bryce, you're just kind of lucky that he didn't just shatter your skull. He's an archangel.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah, he does.

[Natalie Jean]

Not a good job.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

You know what I mean?

[Natalie Jean]

But I just mean, like, her doing a headbutt, he's probably made out of what's the equivalent of platinum steel. Like, you're just lucky your head didn't just shatter into a thousand pieces when you did that. Not a good plan.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Nah.

[Natalie Jean]

Dude, Bryce, you haven't even made the drop yet. Me? Yeah.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Think about it. Natalie. Bryce. Sheesh.

[Natalie Jean]

Predictably, it doesn't drop Micah at all. It only pisses him off.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

And with a shove, her shirt ripping down the back, Micah hurled her to the floor. Hunt's shout was lodged in his throat, but runes echoed through the conference room as Bryce skidded across the carpet. Oh.

[Natalie Jean]

She screams at Lehaba and Syrinx to run as Hunt watches in horror.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Save you, Bryce.

[Natalie Jean]

They won't leave. They haven't left. We then get a montage of Micah absolutely beating the crap out of Bryce. It's very upsetting. He is throwing her all over the place and really hurting her body. It reminds me a lot of the scene in at the end of Cordon Throws Roses. Hunt hears Ruhn panicked, saying Micah is going to kill her. He screams, asking where the ox is because he had called for them to show up on the feed. Bryce seems to realize that Micah was the one who killed the pack of devils that night, not Danika.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Micah smiled. I enjoyed every second of the conference room shook. Or maybe that was just Hunt himself.

[Natalie Jean]

They all watch as Bryce still tries to crawl towards the stairs up to the main level. She can't run anymore. He's shattered at least one bone in her leg. It's sticking out, so she's not in good shape.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Lehabad crept to the metal bathroom door in the back of the library and managed to open it, as if silently signaling Bryce to get there so they could lock themselves inside until help arrived.

[Natalie Jean]

Bryce is not able to keep her composure anymore. She is obviously very injured. She is filled with pain and grief, and she cries, asking why he killed them. Micah, unfazed, asks her why she didn't do her research enough to know that he was an investor in Redner Industries.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I mean, it does make sense because they do have to invest their money somewhere because they do have to make their money, make them more money in the long run. Oh, they do, I would assume. You know, they got to make sure that it's like, what is Micah's retirement like? You got to make sure.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, yeah. I'm worried about Micah.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I'm worried about his 401k and I think that he should be like, he's got to be doing these things.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, sure.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Just now you needed a hobby.

[Natalie Jean]

I think more government officials should be billing billionaires.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah. Especially investing in tech companies.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, I think that's great.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

So I love that. Control us. I think this makes so much sense.

[Natalie Jean]

It's really cool, and I love that he did it.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

It actually really upsets me that so much in this world is happening different from. I know. Separate. That's what I mean. And that so many things kind of align with this world and that this is, like, just a true evil that they're going against, but it's, like, also happening in our reality, you know, it's.

[Natalie Jean]

Like kind of, well, where's our hunt Athelar?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Where is he? Ride the lightning to me, babe.

[Natalie Jean]

So he goes on to explain, shaking with rage, that Danika was employed with Rednar for more than just security, that she had been sent out to dispose of some rebels who had learned about the experiments that Micah had invested in in Rednor Industries that had created Synth and had stolen some. So he is revealing his evil plot right now as she's about to die. As villains do.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yes, but especially when the villains don't know that everybody that's anybody is watching a video of it happening.

[Natalie Jean]

So it's just like the end scene in Cruel Intentions.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, my God. I was just thinking about Cruel Intentions.

[Natalie Jean]

I love that movie.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

There's a lot of movie.

[Natalie Jean]

So I'm rehashing this because it helped me figure this story out.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Thank you. Yes, thank you for re explaining this because it definitely made a lot more sense in the. In the second read through, because the first time it was just like so much. So there's a lot. There's so much. It's so much happening in this chapter, by the way.

[Natalie Jean]

And like, the. Obviously the overarching concept is that Micah is the badminton.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yes.

[Natalie Jean]

But he is telling her he is an investor in Redner Industries, which is the place that Danica did part time security for. But he is saying also she did more dirty work. Like she's supposed to do more dirty work for Render Industries. And because they were experimenting with this thing that gives people power, the rebels found out about it somehow and got to steal some. So she was supposed to kind of dispose of those people and her duties. When she came across the synth from the rebels, she learned about the drug they were building, and she also came across the trial videos and planned to stop it. So Danica saw what Redner Industries was doing with Micah and saw how evil it was. See, because those remember the videos that they also.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, yeah. With just like, there's so many people getting ripped to sh. And Vinny are getting ripped to shreds.

[Natalie Jean]

And she. That's what she left in her jacket for Bryce to find. So she decided she was going to stop it. But Micah and Rednor were in cahoots the whole time. In fact, even though she didn't know Micah was involved, she was just trying to stop Rednor. And Micah was actually even lying to the Asteri, who would have never allowed a superpower drug to have been created for the veneer. So Micah's even going over the heads of the Asteri to make this drug.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

And that's no good.

[Natalie Jean]

No. So the way that they got around this with the Asteri is that Redner Industries played it off as if it were a drug for healing quickly. But Micah wanted it for his own nefarious deeds. Then, in order to get Danika off the case from stopping this to happen, he planted a bunch of synth on the streets. And so he basically, in order to kind of Corner Danica, he's playing 40 chess here. He dumps all of the synth into the streets. And he knew that now that Danika knew the dangers of it, that she would try to go save the day with all the plebes getting hooked on it in the streets, she would try to get it off the streets. And so he basically set her up to be on that synth boat the night when she was discovered. And he came in and said, oh, wow, looks like you're buying drugs. Wouldn't want people to think that about you, right? You're a little party girl, aren't you? They'd have to take your word over mine. I saw you selling drugs on this boat.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I just feel like if Micah had gotten into, like, bonsai trees, you know, or, like, painting mini figurines, like, think of how good he'd be at it. It's like if you could just take a little bit of that time and put it into the art. Micah.

[Natalie Jean]

No, see, they're all mad at their dads, and I understand they can't deal with their emotions, so they can't do that because that would involve healing.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Go to therapy. Michael, too.

[Natalie Jean]

A little too late. So he got her cornered on that boat and basically said, well, if you don't want me to tell everybody that you're the dealer of synth on the streets, you just have to do me one little favorite. Get me the horn. Steal the horn. That is Luna's horn. And because she felt cornered, she agreed to do it. But Micah figures now that she was already hip to his deeds with Redner. Okay, so when she stole, she said, okay, I'll steal the horn for you, so you don't tell people I'm dealing synth. But she already knew he was up to no good. And so he. When she stole the horn from him, instead of returning it and bringing it to him, she hid it from him.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Which makes a lot of sense, because then, you know, at least she knows that if he's going to do anything bad, he can't get a hold of it.

[Natalie Jean]

Yes, exactly. To prevent him from getting his hands on it, whatever his plans were. And apparently, when she hid it, she put it into Bryce's Back, seemingly knowing that she was probably about to die. So Danika did this with Bryce, knowing that she was going to be killed, and she wanted to save it and knew that Bryce would be able to protect it.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Think of how much Bryce has to process. And this is just, like, another thing on the pile of, like. Okay, I also have to, like, she already had so many trust issues with Danika, and obviously this allays a good amount of them. But even thinking of that, of putting something into my body that you didn't tell me about. I know she doesn't have time, like, right now to be upset about these.

[Natalie Jean]

Things sticking out of.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah, I guess she's got other things to deal with. No, it's her trust, Natalie.

[Natalie Jean]

No, it's true. But in other ways, it's better because Danika wasn't. She wasn't evil. She wasn't dealing synth on the streets, which is what Bryce thought maybe had happened. And also, I think you could look at it in the perspective of. Danika knew that Bryce was a powerful warrior and probably knew something about her knowing that her having the horn in her body was like. Like her fate or whatever.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Right?

[Natalie Jean]

So Danika gets the sense she's gonna die. So in telling this all to Bryce, as she's bleeding out on the floor, he's trying to spin it, even in his own story, that he needed the horn because he wanted to save his people from the human rebellion. But it's very. He quickly, you know, that the humans.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Were gonna be like, that's such bullshit, bullshit, bullshit.

[Natalie Jean]

And then he was just immediately bested by his own ego, and he reveals to Bryce that his goal is actually. He wants to use the horn to open a portal into another world.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, yeah, that sounds like saving your people. Okay, yeah.

[Natalie Jean]

Almost like going to Mars or something.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Okay, yeah.

[Natalie Jean]

Anyway, so he wants to leash the powers from this other portal to destroy the human rebellion, and then with that level. With that level of power, basically offer himself as the seventh Asteri, because, as you recall, there's an open chair on this because one of the asterisk was killed.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Fucking narcissist much? It's like. You really think it's like. Yeah, so that's. I mean, obviously, I should be the seventh. Yeah.

[Natalie Jean]

Get the monsters.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah, take all the monsters. Putting me in my monster. And then everybody's going to say, wow.

[Natalie Jean]

Mike, you so cool.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Wow, you killed all those humans. I. It's just. Oh, my God. You. You like even your lies? I do. I do not. Take them for a moment, Micah.

[Natalie Jean]

No, you should have thought about this.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

You have you had all this time to plan? I guess he didn't need to think about his villains monologue because he probably didn't expect it to be broadcast to the summit.

[Natalie Jean]

It's true. Now he's revealed, I'm just casually trying to become the seventh Hysteria. Whatever. And even though Bryce is, like, that's not how they're. They're not like. They just exist. Like, you don't become an asteroid. But he figures his power will be so amazing that the Asteri will be like, oh, please, Micah, be one of us. And they'll recognize him as an equal. Which will never happen.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

No.

[Natalie Jean]

When he couldn't find the horn, he waited until Philip Briggs was released because he knew Danika had done something to it that was, like, you know, underhanded to. In his mind.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah.

[Natalie Jean]

And so he decides he's going to create a patch. He waits until Philip Briggs is released because he has an agenda against Danica. Technically, she arrested him. Right? And he was going to use him as a patsy for all of the pack being murdered. And when he confronts Danika and she won't tell him where it is, that night, that very night where Danika seems to say goodbye to Bryce, remember, she says, I love you.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Right?

[Natalie Jean]

She knew she was going to die. She knew Micah was coming for her. And so Micah would not give up where the horn was in that evening. And so he cornered her, forced the synth into her body, and watched as she ripped them all to pieces. He knew that Bryce would eventually lead him to what he wanted because of their precious love.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, my God.

[Natalie Jean]

He even planted the idea in the Autumn King that he needed the horn, which is, again, we're watching this through Hunt's perspective, and he sees Ruhn interact with his dad, disgusted, saying that he was played like a fiddle. Because the Autumn King did think he wanted the horn. Because Micah planted the idea in his head.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Right.

[Natalie Jean]

He knew that Bryce would then be helpful because she was Danica's closest confidence.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Like 18D chess.

[Natalie Jean]

Congratulations. You just got played. Daddy.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah. You're not the smartest daddy to ever. Daddy. Damn it.

[Natalie Jean]

Goodbye. Come on. So run. Also in this moment, he is piecing together everything they're learning. And he realizes when he was being sent out to find the horn, he always had this urge to go to Bryce, because, of course, he's the starborn prince who also has connection to it, to the horn. And so he's realizing that he thought maybe there. There was something hidden in Griffin, but he realizes now was Bryce, he was being drawn to when looking for the horn.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, my God. It's just like Jacob and Bella's eggs.

[Natalie Jean]

No, it's not.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

In Twilight. It's just like.

[Natalie Jean]

No, it's not.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

He's drawn to her egg.

[Natalie Jean]

No, it's not.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

How dare you?

[Natalie Jean]

He sends these thoughts to Hunt via Mind Freak. I don't know why.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Whoa. Okay, well, because we're always dreaming about going back to see Mind Freak again. Yes, true. We are. Chris angel stands in this house. Thank you.

[Natalie Jean]

I mean, I think as a human, he's supposed to be, like, a badman, but the magic's cool.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah, well, you know, the show is fun.

[Natalie Jean]

It's not cool, but it was fun. So the reason I think I wrote that is because they're having this discussion in their mind. In their mind they're not talking about out loud. So run is telling Hunt all of this stuff about feeling drawn to Bryce in those moments looking for the horn. Hunt and Mind Speak responds back that the Arkesian.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Maybe that's what it is. Mind Speak.

[Natalie Jean]

Mind Speak. That the Arkeesian amulet was helping to mask the call of the horn, but that his starborn power, and being her brother, he was still able to, like, feel it somewhat through the Arkesian Amulet.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

So we also learned sibling power.

[Natalie Jean]

Sib power. So.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

All right, I'm talking to Henry right now. I'll find out if he hears it. I'll ask later.

[Natalie Jean]

Was it just you insulting him?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah, likey, brother, Piggy brother. So if he heard that, he'll know it's me.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, so I don't think it would.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Be our other sister.

[Natalie Jean]

So we also kind of learn in this scene that the Arkesian amulet is sort of like a massive ask for the.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

The horn power. Yeah.

[Natalie Jean]

So the Arkeesian ambulance is protecting her on a couple levels, it seems like. Which is exactly why, when the Arkesian ambulance was gone, the Crystalos found her, because the Crystal Os is attracted to.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

It, to the horn.

[Natalie Jean]

He goes on through this speech to close all of the rest of the loose ends of this mystery.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

How he also say this? I did. The first time reading this, I had to read these chapters two or three times. Like, I was very much like, okay, okay, sjm, I'm with you. I'm with you. And then, like, okay, wait, what? And then I go back like, okay, so thank you very much for putting this out beat by beat.

[Natalie Jean]

I mean, it helps me. So, like, Micah set up all of this stuff happening, the. The murders, the bombings, all in a ploy to find the Horn to set up this, like, trap for everything. Hunt realizes that in this moment, Micah's perceived benevolence in offering him an out in this bargain about just a couple more deaths was all a lie. Micah would have just killed him at the end.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah, Hunt curses, but of course I don't. I say, yeah, like you should know that, Hunt. But it's like, no, he. He. Man, the hope inside of a person can really drown out a lot. And just thinking of the hope of not being a slave anymore, well.

[Natalie Jean]

But also just the. The mask of Micah wearing him, being, yeah, he's a prick, but Sandriel was a monster. Micah seemed like he was a reasonable, normal one. Yeah. And so he was actually hiding his true, true self.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

His true colors shining. You.

[Natalie Jean]

More like farting through hell.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah, Natalie, you get him. So get his ass. So he's gonna wish he had opened up that portal into the other power planet so that he wouldn't be here to hear that burn.

[Natalie Jean]

So Hunt curses himself for never checking that tattoo shop, because of course they went and retraced all their steps. But the tattoo experience with Bryce was. They didn't even think about it because Bryce was there. She didn't know anything of, like, there was no reason. There was no reason to. To go there also, I would assume.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I guess, if I thought, like, something magical was being tattooed into my body. Like, I. I feel like you'd feel a difference with it going in. Like, I feel like she's drunk, and maybe that's why you don't get drunk.

[Natalie Jean]

You never know if they're gonna put magic in your tattoo.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

They might be putting magic in you, and maybe you'll be there begging for them to put magic in you. And maybe they won't. They'll kick you out because you're drunk.

[Natalie Jean]

At a tattoo shop. And they'll say, lady, what are you talking. Talking about?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Gotta get out of here.

[Natalie Jean]

So it didn't seem relevant at the time to go check the tattoo shop, but obviously they could have. And it might have given them some clarity on it. On and on. He reveals his dastardly plan in the Summit Room. Sabine, a bit stunned, comments that Bryce is doing this to get a full confession out of him in case Jespa was able to have connected.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah, thanks, Sabine.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, you, Sabine. We need any.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Your lip right now. Nothing. I don't need to hear anything from you. Ever.

[Natalie Jean]

They watch as Micah pulls out a syringe, announcing to Bryce that he is going to inject her with Synth and he is going to open that Damn portal. And that she will die in the process.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Sorry, sorry. Not sorry, but also I don't want to be this guy. But like it is kind of a cool way to go out, you know, like being like so powerful and then using your body to create to open up a port. Like if this, like if Micah was great, we'd be like, whoa, that's awesome.

[Natalie Jean]

It is cool. But then it's like, it's hard to know that your body's gonna be used to open a doorway to a bunch of demons. Like let.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah. And you're gonna take all the demons power. And I'd be like, oh, maybe don't do that. Like if you're going to open up a portal to like, like find the dimensions best bagels, you know, like I'm all aboard that bagel train.

[Natalie Jean]

I'm hungry. Let's not talk about.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I'll start talking about bagels.

[Natalie Jean]

So she's obviously beside herself with grief and sadness and she's crying. Bryce is trying to pull herself away from him this whole time, trying to drag herself towards the staircase. But with her broken bones, there's no way for her to fight him off. He stabs the needle into her leg and drains it. She screams, but there's no undoing what's been done. It is now in her body. They all watch in horror as Bryce slumps over and her wounds begin to heal rapidly. The broken protruding bone begins to heal as well, but not as quickly as the more superficial lacerations. So it seems as though Micah's kind of watching the clock to see. You know, it's usually timed. If you recall, the trials didn't happen right away.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Heal him up and then burn him out.

[Natalie Jean]

So he's waiting and during that wait, he advances on her slumped over body. But she quickly pulls an Addams Family.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh.

[Natalie Jean]

She grabs one of the magic books and flips it open. A blinding light. Light pouring out of it. I think we have made like 20 movie references today.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah, there. Well, it's all. There's a lot of plot happening. I think it's just making us remember a lot of things going on, you know.

[Natalie Jean]

So she opens this blinding light comes out of this book and it does at least give him a moment of temporary. So she was faking being slumped over and she was gonna go like, ha. And she like pulled the book open and it does slow.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

She's a pervert. But I like the way that you're opening up like you've got a trench coat on and you're being like a. Oh, like who? Oh, you naked under there.

[Natalie Jean]

How else do you open a book? With sunlight.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

How else?

[Natalie Jean]

So he is temporarily slowed down and he's pushing against it. It's not hurting him or anything, but he's not quite getting attacked by it. And he's not super pressed about it.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Very well, Micah said, that smile remaining as he again tested the golden barrier.

[Natalie Jean]

There are other ways to get you to yield.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Bryce was shaking in her golden bubble. Hunt's heart stopped as Micah strode down the mezzanine steps, heading straight for where Syrinx cowered behind the couch.

[Natalie Jean]

No.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Bryce breathed.

[Natalie Jean]

No. She drops her book weapon. But Micah now is pissed. He takes the struggling Syrinx and holds him by the scruffy. Sad. Makes me think of Carmi.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, God. I am Carmi. Although I would be eating like I. None of this liquid. Nothing would be in here if I were Carmi.

[Natalie Jean]

It's true. She would.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

She just eats it right up.

[Natalie Jean]

She does. So Micah takes Syrinx by the scruff.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I'll keep doing it. I'm sorry.

[Natalie Jean]

Drags him over to the massive nock tank. Bryce screams and screams. Is pleading with him to stop.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

But Micah didn't even falter as he opened the door to the small stairs that led to the top of the Nox tank. Bryce's screaming was unending. Declan switched the feed over to the camera atop the tank just as Micah flipped open the feeding hatch and threw Syrinx into the water.

[Natalie Jean]

No.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

You're a bitch for ending it here. And yeah, I said it. Natalie. Sorry. Not sorry. You're a bitch.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, you're in a tank. This is like Old timey radio.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah. I am here to bring the environment. All right? I want to keep you scared. We're keeping you on a cliffhanger here. What am I going to do? Will I survive? Is that the. Is that Morse code?

[Natalie Jean]

I think it was. Do you need to be saved? I think it was horse hoops.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Horse code.

[Natalie Jean]

Horse code. Yeah. Thank you.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Please read up until chapter 83.