LPN Deep Dives / Episode 14: Block Around The Cock Tonight

Summary

Summary of LPN Deep Dives: Crescent City – Episode 14: "Block Around The Cock Tonight"

Podcast Information:

• Title: LPN Deep Dives: Crescent City
• Host/Author: The Last Podcast Network
• Episode: 14: "Block Around The Cock Tonight"
• Release Date: January 23, 2025
• Hosts: Natalie Jean and Jackie Zebrowski

---

Introduction

In Episode 14 of LPN Deep Dives: Crescent City, hosts Natalie Jean and Jackie Zebrowski delve deep into Sarah J. Maas's popular adult science fiction series, Crescent City. This episode, titled "Block Around The Cock Tonight," offers a comprehensive analysis of key plot developments, character dynamics, and thematic elements from the latter chapters of the series.

Chapter-by-Chapter Breakdown

Chapter 44: A Moment of Despair

At around [10:14], Jackie introduces Chapter 44, where Bryce returns to her apartment after a traumatic journey to Moonwood. The conversation highlights Bryce's despondency as she grapples with resurfacing traumatic memories.

• Notable Quote:
  "[10:29] Jackie Zabrowski: I love that they just are eating cereal together. It's such a fun, like, comfort food moment in the book."

Natalie and Jackie discuss the symbolism of cereal as comfort food, emphasizing its vulnerability and the relatability of Bryce's actions during her moment of weakness.

Chapter 45: Unveiling Hidden Truths

As they move to [15:18], the hosts explore Bryce's interaction with Hunt. Bryce expresses vulnerabilities, revealing her past traumas, including cyberbullying and the public leaking of her private text messages. This segment underscores the depth of Bryce's character development and her complex relationship with Hunt.

• Notable Quote:
  "[21:12] Jackie Zabrowski: This level of being very open about this very humiliating part of her, which she, you know, might think that this might repulse him or make him seem too messy to care about her."

They delve into how Bryce's honesty with Hunt signifies a crucial turning point in their partnership, fostering mutual understanding and trust.

Chapter 46: Confrontations and Revelations

Around [33:24], the discussion shifts to Hunt's internal struggle while reviewing surveillance footage of the devil murders. The hosts analyze Hunt's realization of Bryce's lethal skills, trained by her father Randall Sedalgo, highlighting the intricate mentorship and Bryce's transformation into a formidable assassin.

• Notable Quote:
  "[26:28] Natalie Jean: He's gotta teach her how to protect herself. I love you, Randall."

Natalie and Jackie commend the portrayal of Randall's tough love approach, which molded Bryce into a resilient and skillful character capable of facing formidable threats.

Chapter 47: Emotional Turmoil and Bonding

At [47:10], Bryce reconnects with her friend Juniper, who supports her potential promotion despite Bryce's insecurities. The hosts draw parallels between Bryce's struggles and real-life experiences of dealing with personal setbacks, emphasizing the authentic emotional resonance in the narrative.

• Notable Quote:
  "[43:08] Jackie Zabrowski: Some people can have a cigarette every once in a while. I had to quit smoking forever. Forever."

The conversation touches on the theme of vulnerability in pursuing one's passions, drawing insights from both hosts' personal experiences.

Chapter 48: Clashes and Confrontations

Moving to [65:40], the hosts discuss the intense confrontation between Hunt, Bryce, and Sabine. Sabine accuses Bryce of various misdeeds, leading to a high-stakes standoff. Natalie and Jackie critique the pacing and emotional intensity of this encounter, reflecting on its impact on character relationships and plot progression.

• Notable Quote:
  "[73:53] Jackie Zabrowski: Yeah, I mean, it's just another layer of just what is happening."

They emphasize the unfolding complexities in Bryce's understanding of her past and the layered antagonism with Sabine, setting the stage for upcoming conflicts.

Character Dynamics and Themes

Bryce and Hunt's Relationship

Throughout the episode, Natalie and Jackie explore the evolving relationship between Bryce and Hunt. From professional allies to deeply connected partners, their bond is portrayed with nuance, highlighting mutual respect, hidden vulnerabilities, and emerging romantic undertones.

• Notable Quote:
  "[70:00] Jackie Zabrowski: So he is essentially like her scent is overwhelming him. He very nearly kisses her neck as she leans further into him."

This segment underscores the delicate balance between their professional collaboration and personal connection, adding depth to their interactions.

Sabine’s Antagonism

Sabine's character emerges as a central antagonist, with her complex motivations and actions driving much of the plot's tension. The hosts dissect her confrontations with Bryce, analyzing her manipulative tactics and underlying grievances.

• Notable Quote:
  "[73:53] Jackie Zabrowski: Yeah, I mean, it's just another layer of just what is happening."

Natalie and Jackie discuss Sabine's strategic maneuvers and the psychological warfare she employs against Bryce and Hunt, highlighting her pivotal role in the story's conflict.

Thematic Insights

Vulnerability and Strength

A recurring theme in the episode is the juxtaposition of vulnerability and strength. The hosts examine how Bryce's moments of weakness are balanced by her formidable skills and resilience, painting a portrait of a multifaceted heroine.

• Notable Quote:
  "[43:22] Natalie Jean: And so dancing is so vulnerable because it's you. It is specifically all of you."

This discussion extends to the broader narrative, where characters often confront their inner demons while showcasing their strengths in the face of adversity.

Public Perception and Privacy

The leaking of Bryce's private communications serves as a focal point for discussions on public perception versus personal reality. Natalie and Jackie analyze the societal pressures and the impact of judgment on Bryce's journey.

• Notable Quote:
  "[12:01] Jackie Zabrowski: It's just basic toxic woman behavior."

They critique the online bullying Bryce endures, reflecting on modern issues of privacy invasion and the stigmatization that comes with public scrutiny.

Conclusion and Future Directions

As the episode wraps up around [75:48], Natalie and Jackie hint at the escalating tensions and the unraveling mysteries that await in the subsequent chapters. They encourage listeners to stay tuned for more in-depth analyses and discussions as Bryce and Hunt navigate the complexities of Crescent City's dark underbelly.

• Closing Remarks:
  "[74:58] Natalie Jean: And it just keeps unfolding, unfolding, unfolding. And this is really like only the. It's only just because really has. There's so much."

The hosts leave listeners anticipating the upcoming episodes, promising further exploration of character arcs and plot twists that enrich the Crescent City universe.

---

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• "[10:29] Jackie Zabrowski: I love that they just are eating cereal together. It's such a fun, like, comfort food moment in the book."
• "[21:12] Jackie Zabrowski: This level of being very open about this very humiliating part of her, which she, you know, might think that this might repulse him or make him seem too messy to care about her."
• "[26:28] Natalie Jean: He's gotta teach her how to protect herself. I love you, Randall."
• "[43:08] Jackie Zabrowski: Some people can have a cigarette every once in a while. I had to quit smoking forever. Forever."
• "[73:53] Jackie Zabrowski: Yeah, I mean, it's just another layer of just what is happening."
• "[70:00] Jackie Zabrowski: So he is essentially like her scent is overwhelming him. He very nearly kisses her neck as she leans further into him."
• "[74:58] Natalie Jean: And it just keeps unfolding, unfolding, unfolding. And this is really like only the. It's only just because really has. There's so much."

Final Thoughts

Episode 14 of LPN Deep Dives: Crescent City offers a rich and engaging exploration of key developments in the Crescent City series. Natalie Jean and Jackie Zebrowski adeptly dissect complex character relationships, thematic depth, and plot intricacies, providing listeners with insightful commentary and thoughtful analysis. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the series, this episode offers valuable perspectives that enhance your understanding and appreciation of Sarah J. Maas's work.

Transcript

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[Natalie Jean]

Amazing deals on activewear for all the ways you move are at Nordstrom Rack stores now. How did I not know Rack has Adidas? Oh, I love these new Nikes.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I always score at Rack.

[Natalie Jean]

Stock up on new gear from the best brands in the game, starting at just $40. Great Brands, Great prices. That's why you rac. Welcome to Crescent City with your hosts, Natalie Jean and Jackie Zabrowski. I'm sorry, I'm just over here. Sorry. I can't even lift my. Oh, my arm. Oh. Oh, I can't lift my arms. I'm so.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

They're so thick.

[Natalie Jean]

I'm just so thick. I'm trying to show off for Lahaba. All right, let me have this.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Split me in half. Daddy.

[Natalie Jean]

Don't say that, Blahba.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

You were the one testing her motivation, girl. You were the one who made her feel that way.

[Natalie Jean]

From the hunter into the hunted. And sometimes you got to change your perspective and remember that it's not all just putting on your fin and rolling about the town. Apparently, there's, like, aggressive things out there, so you gotta watch out when you're looking so good and your fins drying in the sun. And sometimes you gotta show your fin.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

All right. There. It's worth it now. Now that I'm really impressed by your prowess right now.

[Natalie Jean]

I do pilates. Get my legs up. Get my legs up.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

That's why we do ab workouts, ladies and gentlemen.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, it's so that when we put on our mermaid fins and. Yeah, gu. I don't need to have the mermaid tail on while we're sitting here.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Absolutely not.

[Natalie Jean]

Or do I? Because I need to live Therian. If I'm. I can't just be, like, pretending like, I can use my legs willy nilly when I know I'm made for the sea.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

How could you ever. How could you ever be in the moment if you could move your legs? If your legs weren't Bound underneath you.

[Natalie Jean]

I kind of like how bound they are.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

You better get into a. Some kind of water before the episode's over, or your legs.

[Natalie Jean]

That was my dolphin noise.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Your legs are going to come back, and they're never going to move.

[Natalie Jean]

No, No, I don't want my legs to come back. Natalie.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Who's Natalie?

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, I'm sorry. Oh, I'm sorry. I'm scared of you, Beans. Can I call you Beans?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I don't know if anyone's ever called her Beans.

[Natalie Jean]

Maybe Thera likes beans. No. You look so good as Sabine. This is a problem, Natalie. You know what it is? You carry. You can. You could be such a huge bitch. You're that beautiful. That you could get away with being such a bigger bitch than you are.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

That's so nice.

[Natalie Jean]

That's why I'm technically scared of you all the time.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I'm. I'm not a scary.

[Natalie Jean]

No, you're not. I'm saying that you could get away with it.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

And I'd say thank you.

[Natalie Jean]

Anything you say, Mom. Yes. No.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I don't like being mean. Makes me sad.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, but you're a bitch right now, and I need you to put on those bitch pants. Natalie, what do you have to say to me as Therian? What do you have to say? I'm flapping. I'm flapping, I'm flapping, bitch.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

You get your gills back in the water, fish.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, God, I'm scared of them.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

What is that?

[Natalie Jean]

I'm sorry. It's just like, I'm trying to, like, find my merman sound because I can't make a dolphin noise. Even though I guess they wouldn't make dolphin noises. No, I guess they just sound like moon, moon under the water.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Is that better than what?

[Natalie Jean]

Then what I was doing. I'm trying to, like, find my sound as Therian.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Well, Therian is a very masculine.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, I know. Did you see my muscles?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I know. So you need a masculine sound is what I'm saying.

[Natalie Jean]

Sometimes I love to get my veins up. Sorry. Maybe I'm cosplaying as Lana Del Rey's husband. Oh. Oh, she said it. Yeah. I'm sorry. Maybe I'm the. Over here, guys.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

We don't like no maga husband.

[Natalie Jean]

No, we don't. But, you know, sometimes when they're. They've got the mouth of Popeye. I can see how you get sucked in.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I don't know. I do not get the. Okay. I do not get the appeal. I'm not trying to date mouth of Popeye, though.

[Natalie Jean]

Mouth and Popeye I just imagine there's a lot of that.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

What? What, What? Did they talk? How. What. What is their bond?

[Natalie Jean]

They've got a lot to talk about, Natalie. And they must talk for, er.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Did they actually meet on a swamp boat tour?

[Natalie Jean]

They certainly did. I did.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Look, can you imagine if one of our. When we all went on a swamp.

[Natalie Jean]

Boat tour together, which we.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Earlier this year. Can you imagine?

[Natalie Jean]

Don't get me wrong, that gator man. Very attractive gator. He was.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

He was attractive. He was married.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, I looked.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

You imagine if one of our single friends would have fallen in love? We would have had free swamp boat tour rides for life.

[Natalie Jean]

Never leave the bayou. And there's nothing wrong with never leaving the bayou.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I do love a swamp boat.

[Natalie Jean]

I love a swamp boat.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Maybe she's just in it for that.

[Natalie Jean]

I get it. Apparently he specifically gives a lot of celebrity swamp boat tours, so why everybody just loves him? I guess. Maybe he's like maga. Just enough, you know?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, great. Just enough to, like, appease the very wealthy.

[Natalie Jean]

Not believe in any of our rights.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I, like, want to save money on their taxes. Just enough.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, yeah. Get back out on that boat, baby.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Great.

[Natalie Jean]

But I'm being a little bit of a Popeye. Did you want to kiss Popeye?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

No.

[Natalie Jean]

Really? Not whatsoever. Bluto. Were you a Bluto?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I was unsexually attracted to any of, if anyone, olive oil. I guess I think her more than anyone.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, I get that. That Wimpy, the one that eats all the burgers.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

No, I'm not. I was never into big old muscle. These?

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, especially. And Bluto was mean too, but, man, he caught my eye. Every once in a while.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

He would have split Lab right now.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, poor Lab. Oh, my God, he would have split her like firewood.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

We got our little Lehiba with us today. This is from. This is a present from Jackie to me. It's usually my office, but I figured she should be with the show.

[Natalie Jean]

She should come and hang out with us and watch us as we work. Do you appreciate us? Fire sprite. Beautiful, Labba.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I wish we could have something to lean her because she has a little foot that dangles.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, she needs a little shelf or something.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, maybe I'll put a shelf behind us.

[Natalie Jean]

Yes, and thank you for bringing her in, because I think that Laba wants to be around us while we work.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I think so.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

She's gonna ogle theory. I'm gonna have her face.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah. Come look over here, girl. Yeah, you can touch my fin. He's nice and wet. Until it ain't.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

There we go. Let me just set him. Setting us our table up for the view. There we go. All right, we're getting in.

[Natalie Jean]

Hey, girl. Except with fire and water, we can never work.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Me and you mean who am I, Sabine?

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, that.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

That's a crack ship right there. You guys know about crack ships? It's big in the. The Patreon art world of characters from the. The books who would never normally be together.

[Natalie Jean]

Crack ships.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I'm very thankful they never get into weird, like, related people. Crack ships.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah. I don't want to. We don't want to go down that road.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Theory. And Sabine would absolutely be a crack ship, bro.

[Natalie Jean]

Just imagine just like in an alley one night, but I gotta get back in the water. But you won't let me get back in the water. But, like, I've got to get back in the water.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah. Oh, yeah. Like, she's torturing him by, like, pleasuring him. But he, like, really needs to get back in.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, but he also, like, really needs to have like, my.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

He won't because he's like, really.

[Natalie Jean]

He's like really into it. So, like, you really does. He's like vinegar strokes, but, like, can't but, like, needs to get back. It writes itself.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Writes itself. Everyone.

[Natalie Jean]

My. I need to get a ghostwriter. I need somebody that, like, I can explain these things to you and I can talk it through in my language so that someone. Because I've tried to write it myself. It's very difficult to write.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Did you know it's hard to write?

[Natalie Jean]

I know. Crazy. Crazy. What do you have to have, like, crazy talent to be able to do it? Yes, you do.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I wish I knew how to write fantasy. It would be really fun to do that.

[Natalie Jean]

And especially things like crack ships. It's like, I just sit here and hornally think about this. I referred to myself as a hornier, more aggressive Tina yesterday because I realized that I am Tina from Bob's Burgers.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, Tina from Bob's Burgers. I did not know which Tina you.

[Natalie Jean]

Were from because of Gladiator. And I realized that I. I was. I thought everybody watched Glad. Gladiator is a horny movie. And turns out people weren't. I was. So I watched Gladiator.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

All the people didn't watch that for sex.

[Natalie Jean]

I have not talked to one other. I mean, there's no sex in it.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I know, but it's all just oiled up men.

[Natalie Jean]

This is what I'm like. I had no idea when I was that young that that's Why?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I, like, I refuse to believe that there aren't other people who watch that because they're turned on by it. That's ridiculous.

[Natalie Jean]

Let me know. I need to get validated, please.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

So chapter 44. They're back at Bryce's apartment after returning from Moonwood, and that all of the really sad, awful things that happen there, all of the trauma, all of the worst memories coming back to Bryce, and so she's pretty despondent now.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah. So, girl, just eat some cereal. I get you.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I love that they just are eating cereal together. It's such a fun, like, comfort food moment in the book.

[Natalie Jean]

There's certain foods, too, that I feel like you don't eat around just anybody. And I feel like cereal is one of those, because I think that a lot of people eat cereal, like, cereal differently. And so it's very open for judgment.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

It's also very juvenile, but in a way that everybody likes or most people like.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

You know, so it's like, I don't know, you feel sort of like, I don't know, like it's vulnerable in a weird way.

[Natalie Jean]

It really is.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

So he. They've walked back from Moonwood, and he has. Hunt has let Bryce just be in her thoughts. She's not talking at all on the walk back. And now as they watch each other from across the table, he decides to gently but firmly assert that they need to take the next steps to prove that Sabine was behind these summonings. When Bryce doesn't really give a response, still, he decides to try to maybe ask another question, which is, why does Amelie have such a vendetta against Bryce?

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, my God. And he doesn't understand that sometimes, man, asking that question is so much more explanation than you can imagine. And sometimes it's pretty easy.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Sometimes it's pretty.

[Natalie Jean]

I feel Right. Sometimes, like. Like interpersonal relationships, when you're trying to explain to somebody, it's like, oh, well, this one time. And then there's. This is just straight up.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah, it's just basic toxic woman behavior.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

We learn through this next bit of conversation that there is another level to this suffering. So as he, like, broaches this question about Amelie, Bryce starts to open up about all of the other things that had gone on during this time period after the murders. Newspapers at the time had also gotten a hold of all the text messages between the Pack and Bryce. So all of the ones that we've been experiencing through her thoughts, these very private, really traumatic things got leaked to the papers, and they were all posted publicly.

[Natalie Jean]

Just horrible, horrible.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Horrible. Can you imagine?

[Natalie Jean]

No.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Including the romantic ones from Connor. It's so awful to think about it.

[Natalie Jean]

All your private things just literally being aired out. Like dirty laundry. Stop. That is. Yeah. No, especially talking about like a crush and like this huge.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Like, not just that, but again, making her look terrible. I mean, I. I guess Sabine leaked. Helped leak the text. It's a. I know she probably did it, but basically kind of alluding to that Bryce somehow was like recklessly involved in like letting this happen somehow. All of this also revealed that Connor was head over heels for Bryce. And apparently Amelie always, even since they were young, had a thing for Connor.

[Natalie Jean]

And it's so crazy that when you're young, you feel like then your ultimate competition because you're going for the same person. And it's so nuts that it's like, I know that there's enough of Hallmark movies out there that are like, let's get together. Yeah, yeah, yeah. And then they both tried to like compete for who gets the wolf. You know what I mean?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Are you. Do you. Were you a Parent Trap OG Parent Trap.

[Natalie Jean]

No, I was a new one.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I mean, I watch either.

[Natalie Jean]

I watch.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I watch both constantly. Like on planes and stuff. Comfort movies. For some reason, I kind of always.

[Natalie Jean]

Wanted to punch Haley Mills in the face.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Wow.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah. Yeah. And nothing. I shouldn't say Haley Mills. I should say the character from Parent Trap because it wasn't Haley Mills characters. Thank you. Thank you. Characters from Parent Trap. And I do feel there's something about her.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

She.

[Natalie Jean]

You know what? She looked so plucky. And she was.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

They were.

[Natalie Jean]

They were plucky. They were plucky. And I just man wanted to bring her down a couple pics.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Wow.

[Natalie Jean]

But I'm saying this not as an adult wanting to hit a child. I'm saying this as a fellow like 12 year old wanting to hit Hayley Mills in the face.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Wow.

[Natalie Jean]

I haven't seen it since then. I promise I'm not sitting here with like revenge in my eyes.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

So really fun watch.

[Natalie Jean]

I'm sure it is. And I really liked what? Chessy. Jesse.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Jesse.

[Natalie Jean]

Jesse. Even though I was like. But that's not a name. Even though I think it is a name. But I really wanted to be her just because I dressed more mask.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, yeah, totally.

[Natalie Jean]

And Chess, she deserves love too.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

And she fell. Got to fall in love with a skinny butler.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, they were cute. Flapping my tail. Oh, maybe I flap my tail every time I get horny. This is gonna be a long time flapping episode.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

This is. Well, okay. We've got a little bit of horny in here. All right, so this is all to say that Omley realized how much he was in love with Bryce in She was hurt. Amelie, being a toxic Pick me blames Bryce for this. You know, it's not her fault that a guy likes her and gross. Don't gotta let it go. This is one of the worst parts of patriarchy and toxic masculinity, where girls think that they need to pit themselves against other girls.

[Natalie Jean]

But just imagine, though, the heartache of watching your huge crush get ripped apart by a Kristalos. And even knowing that those feelings weren't coming back. I feel like I would take it even harder.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah, but I wouldn't blame the girl he likes.

[Natalie Jean]

But she's got to put her anger.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Somewhere, which is what everybody is doing. And it seems like everybody's doing doing.

[Natalie Jean]

That to Bryce, towards Bryce when honestly. Sorry Sabitch, but you could throw a little bit that way.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah, seriously. It's here we find out that Bryce had been cyber bullied in the aftermath of the murders. It wasn't only Sabine and the wolves who blamed her and called her a she was bullied entirely off the Internet.

[Natalie Jean]

Damn.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

She reveals to Hunt that the wolves had even made up a song about her and posted it all over the Internet. Hunt looks livid and murderous at this information, but she won't tell him which wolves it was.

[Natalie Jean]

Do I want to make up a song about what? Yes, I do, but I'm trying to keep myself from it because I know I need to read this passage. Oh, she's a bad oh, I'd rather howl at her. Oh, I don't look the bad. Oh, gonna howl right at me.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

You're staring at me right now.

[Natalie Jean]

Well, you're sabitious right now. And I got it again. I've got to put my anger somewhere. Natalie.

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[Natalie Jean]

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[Jackie Zabrowski]

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[Natalie Jean]

I will say, not as good as my song.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I actually think your song might be better.

[Natalie Jean]

Thank you. I just imagine they were all harmonizing with their wolf awus.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I should also preface right before we go into this passage, this is a like, just very brief trigger warning. This discusses unalives ideations, suicidal ideations. I don't know what we should say, but just be aware there's a. There's a bit in here about that.

[Natalie Jean]

Just think about the song that I was just singing instead. She sometimes wondered what they'd say if they knew about that time two winters ago when someone had sent a thousand printed out lyric sheets of the song to her new apartment, along with mock album artwork taken from the photos she'd snapped that night if they knew she had gone up to the roof to burn them all, but instead wound up staring over the ledge. She wondered what would have happened if Juniper, on a whim, hadn't called just to check in that night, right as Bryce had braced her hands on the rail. Jackie, should you be making jokes about the song? It was a bad song.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, you got to. It's okay. It's so sad. That sort of gives you a little bit of insight, too, into why she feels especially, you know, her friends are very important to her, and this shows that they aren't just these sort of like youthful, like, surface level friends. Like, they have a connection to the point where Juniper helped pull her back from the brink, felt something was wrong, and called. And she describes in her thoughts in this chapter about how Juniper seemed to sense without Bryce saying anything specifically, that there was something wrong in Bryce's voice, but pretended like she didn't hear anything to keep Bryce talking. So she was keeping it very light and superficial, not going, what's wrong? What's wrong? Are you okay? Because she wanted to keep her calm and she talked her to her on the phone all the way until she got to Bryce's apartment and Bryce stepped, you know, led her in. And Juniper just kept everything very, like, cheerful and pretended like she didn't know anything, but she definitely did. She ended up staying in bed with her all night. They burned the sheets, the Music sheets together. And Bryce doesn't seem to have told anyone about what she considered that night. Not Juniper and not Hunt in this moment. But Juniper understood enough in that time that she didn't leave Bryce's side for three days.

[Natalie Jean]

God, when you know, a friend needs you, and you're just like, I'm here, dude. Anything you need. Let's get through this together. And it goes to show their relationship, too. And why, like, she needs Juniper, and Juniper needs her as well.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah. But even in this very tragic discussion with Hunt, this revealing of her online humiliation is an offering, in a way.

[Natalie Jean]

To Hunt, like a vulnerability offering.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah. This level of being very open about this very humiliating part of her, which she, you know, might think that this might repulse him or make him seem too messy to care about her. So her revealing, this is like, this is what I am. This is who I am. This is how people see me.

[Natalie Jean]

Well, it's also so uncomfortable to be that vulnerable when you try so hard to, like, put off this. Like. Like, I've got it all under control. Nothing can really affect me anymore. Even though, obviously she's very affected by all of this.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah. And despite her, you know, maybe thinking that he, of course, doesn't think less of her for this, even if we're not with his thoughts in this chapter, it's very clear that he's not turned away by something like that.

[Natalie Jean]

Right.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

She realizes that he's also been through a hell of a lot of humiliation himself and disdain for being, what? You know, having that experience of going through the rebellion and, like, being a slave and being humiliated for centuries. And so she's probably coming to the realization that, like, her thing is not that big of a deal to him in, like, a good way. She asks if he gave himself the nickname the Shadow of Death, which of, like, no, of course he didn't.

[Natalie Jean]

Also, yeah, I tried to call myself Viper one summer, and that didn't work out either. You know, if you started. Wait.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

True.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, I tried Viper. I really wanted to be called Viper.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Wow. How ironic. I mean, that's a character in this book.

[Natalie Jean]

It certainly is. And it was, like, for a while, I thought that I could really pull off Viper, and I don't know why I thought that.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I love your enthusiasm.

[Natalie Jean]

Thank you. I just feel like it's a lot if you call yourself the Shadow of Death. And I'm not gonna liken it to a Viper, but I would liken it to a Viper. If you're looking at me and thinking I should be called Viper, because, like, the Shadow of Death, if you look at Hunt. Well, at least it makes sense.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah, sure. But I don't know if there's a level of cringe lower than naming yourself. Name yourself the Shadow of Death.

[Natalie Jean]

You can't name yourself that.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

That's literally, like an incel. YouTube thing.

[Natalie Jean]

Hey, yeah, I've got all those swords up on my wall. But also, yeah, you can call me the Shadow of Death, but don't look me in the eyes.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

It'd be like a guy on, like, you know, rumble in a shadow on the screen being like, I'm the Shadow.

[Natalie Jean]

Of Death, and you should be scared.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

And you shall all. He reluctantly tells her that they call him that because he's good at what he does, even though he doesn't want to do it. So he's like, no, I didn't name myself the Shadow of Death. Thank you. He doesn't like being called that. He's just like, I'm good at it. Yeah, so that's what they say. Hunt then almost nervously tells her that she's really great and that he's glad she ended up on this case with him.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, my. Almost.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah, I bet you did, you toe loving cad.

[Natalie Jean]

She tucked away what his praise did to her heart, how it lifted the fog that had settled on her.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

So this, you know, affects her in a good way.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, it affects her. It does. It does.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

She tells him she has had some training in the field, so she was prepared for this sort of thing because of her stepdad. And Hunt reveals that he knows who Randall Sedalgo is, even though he is a human. He is so renowned as a sharpshooter, even, like, the Civitas know who he is.

[Natalie Jean]

Can we just pause here? And we all want to have sex with Randall, right? I know he's a human, and I know that in this world, very few amount of humans actually pique my sexual interest, but Randall definitely does.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

The father who stepped up.

[Natalie Jean]

The father who stepped up. But also the fact that Hunt knows about this human who was in the wars, like, that's insane. He's got to be so insanely good at what he does. But then also, he's so good to Ember and to Bryce Goosh. Oh. Oh. Fins of what happened. Let's figure out.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Let's try to figure out where the. The goosh is gonna come out.

[Natalie Jean]

Where's my goosh? You're gonna come out. Well, I got a hole on the bottom.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

It comes out by your feet.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, it's gonna squeeze out the bottom. Like, I'M toothpaste.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I don't know if that's how fish.

[Natalie Jean]

Work, but let us know. You know, let us know in the comments if you know how mer people goosh. Let us know.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

We asked this last time, so hopefully by the time this comes out, somebody's.

[Natalie Jean]

Given us a somebody because obviously it's still on our mind.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

So Bryce feels pride well up in her and informs him that Randall trained her in all sorts of weapons, even made sure she could pin him on the mat before he let her attend ccu. So had basically been training her to be an assassin her whole life. But really because he wanted her to be able to protect herself in a world where humans are very weak compared to a lot of the other sentient creatures. Which makes sense.

[Natalie Jean]

He's gotta teach her how to protect herself. I love you, Randall.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah. Just then Jesper starts to angrily text Bryce telling her to get back to the gallery now because they're having their lunch break at the apartment moment, there are clients coming and Hunt just quietly trails Bryce as she power walks back to the storefront, taking texts from Jessiba the entire time. When they reach the door, Bryce tells Hunt that he maybe should stay outside since Jesiba is on a warpath today and she doesn't exactly know that Hunt has been sitting inside. But like she def. I don't know why Bryce thinks Jesper doesn't know everything.

[Natalie Jean]

There's cameras everywhere. There's cameras everywhere. And also she's. She kind of knows a bunch, but.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

She feels as though maybe Jasper doesn't realize Hunt's been inside. So he says sure, I'll stay outside on the roof.

[Natalie Jean]

Also. I feel like that's like a last minute thing. Like remember when like your friends would want to come over your house but your mom was in a like in a war path day and you'd be like maybe. How about you just pick me up outside? Yeah, it's just easier. We'll see each other out there.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah, definitely. He departs her and just minutes later, Bryce receives a text from Hunt from the roof saying that he has to do some ox work and that an angel named Justinian, who we've already met, he was when Hunt first walked into the his barracks kind of commons room, will be taking up a post to watch her instead. Even though Bryce is sad and hurt from earlier in the day, she begins to flirt with Hunt via text asking if Justinian is hot.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh yeah. Not to be like, because like I'm looking at other people.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Of course Hunt calls her a pervert and it makes her smile. We cut over to Hunt later that day, and he's mulling over everything that happened that morning and the things Bryce revealed about herself. He's back on the roof now after finishing up his work, and he pulls up the surveillance footage from the night of the devil murders, which he has in his evidence files on his phone. So he's just kind of like, trying to mall, like, go over everything Bryce has told him.

[Natalie Jean]

Do detectives have all that stuff on their phone nowadays, or do you have to keep all of the evidence, like, locked up and not on your phone?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I doubt you can just keep it on your phone, but in this. In this canon, yeah, he has bunch of dead bodies on his phone.

[Natalie Jean]

I guess I'm just curious as it, like, if that also translates to our world as well, because, like, I imagine you've got to be working on it all the time, but also, like, sometimes you gotta sit and have dinner with your family and you gotta put the dead bodies away.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I imagine you're not supposed to just have it on your personal phone, but I'm sure people do anyway. Curious. Yeah, I'm not sure about that, but it seems like you shouldn't have, like, private evidence on your private phone.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, I feel like it's like play snood instead, you know, not sponsored. No, I snood if you want to sponsor us. I don't even know if you still exist anymore.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Sponsored by that game centipede?

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, from 20s, sometimes years ago. I played a lot of snood, though. I'll say that.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I don't even know what snood is.

[Natalie Jean]

It was just one of those, like, throw the. The face and then make the three faces so they explode. Like, throw the ball so it hits the other balls.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, yeah, okay.

[Natalie Jean]

But they were faces instead.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Hunt looks over the surveillance footage for the hundredth time. The whole scene horrified as usual, but now also paying more attention to Bryce and acknowledging the skills that Randall gave her at play and her insane barefoot chase. Noticing, wow, she really is trained. Even though she is riddled with drugs barefoot, she's. She's, you know, showing that she's been trained as. As an assassin in many ways. He looks up from his phone and out over the city from the roof, and his eyes snap on the bone quarter. I actually wanted to show this on the map. So there's Griffin Antiquities right here, and he's looking straight across at the bone quarter. I didn't realize how close Griffin was to the bone quarter. It's, like, really close to, like, death.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

So he's looking out across the right, across the river from Griffin is the Bone Quarter, and he's thinking about the mysterious sleeping city and of the day of the sailing of the devils. And so his mind sort of wanders to after the attacks, after the murders. He was actually there the day of the sailings. He had watched from a distance. He knew Bryce wasn't there, but maybe understands a little bit more why now. He recalls how many of the people on the shore looked so unsure of what would happen as Danica's boat was sent off towards the Bone Quarter and to whatever happens beyond. And if you'll recall, it's a disgrace if your boat tips. So when you get pushed off for the sailing, everybody kind of waits in anticipation to see whether or not your body will fall into the water, to be eaten by creatures in the water or if it will sail through the gates of the Bone Quarter and whatever happens in there. But it's an honorable passing if that happens.

[Natalie Jean]

Not my kind of creatures, though. I ain't eating no bad bodies. Buddies.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

What kind of merman?

[Natalie Jean]

I'm a merman. No, the name being the bad buddies.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I don't think the merman. The mer people eat humans.

[Natalie Jean]

I mean, but I could if you want me to.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I think. I think it's a bunch of, like, eels with big teeth and stuff, so.

[Natalie Jean]

I don't like that you're being a. Right now.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I mean, that's what I do.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah. Scared of you.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Unapologetically. Sabine.

[Natalie Jean]

Whoa. I hate that bio. I just write it unapologetically.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

To me, that would have been on my MySpace.

[Natalie Jean]

Yes. Oh, my God. And her song was just like Melissa Etheridge's I'm a. I'm a. Tears, I'm a gun, it's on my knees.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I hate that.

[Natalie Jean]

I think that sabitch would love it.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I think you're right.

[Natalie Jean]

Thank you.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

So the day of the. The pack of devils sailings hunt is watching this from afar. And he watches Danika coast right through the gates. He recalls seeing Sabine watch it happen and then leave immediately after, not staying for the ceremonies of any of the other devils. So she essentially just assures that her legacy is not besmirched. Yeah, she wanted to make sure Danika went through, not because she cared, but because she didn't want to be embarrassed.

[Natalie Jean]

That's literally it. I. I know that she doesn't care about her actual, like, passing, and also.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Just, like, as somebody who's essentially the prime of Moonwood, did not even care what happened to the other Wolves. But that's Sabine.

[Natalie Jean]

That's because you're. You can't be the prime. Prime more than anything.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

We'll see about that.

[Natalie Jean]

Not horny. That was fear. That was fear. Flapping of my. My fin.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Thank you for. For differentiating.

[Natalie Jean]

It's, you know, it's really, like, any, like, powerful emotion that I have. I guess that I gotta get to flapping. Yeah.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah.

[Natalie Jean]

Although I am sad that there's a goosh hole at the bottom.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Me too.

[Natalie Jean]

I kind of wish I was severely actually trapped forever.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

What?

[Natalie Jean]

Sew me in, Natalie. I'm ready to be mer.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, no.

[Natalie Jean]

Ready forever.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Do we need to talk?

[Natalie Jean]

Sat in this costume for way too long yesterday. I was just hanging out in this costume. I think I'm ready to be a merperson.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

You can take glasses to. Are you ready to do, like, the underwater stuff?

[Natalie Jean]

I'm scared of the water. No, no. I'm very scared of the water. I'm a land mer girl. Land Moore.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Okay, so we'll just put you in a bathtub.

[Natalie Jean]

Put me in a bathtub? Yeah. Yes. Put me there. I'll splash abouts. But you're gonna have to bring me snacks. And you're gonna have to bring me sparkling waters.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Well, obviously.

[Natalie Jean]

Thank you, Natalie.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yes. What if we put you in a bath of sparkling water?

[Natalie Jean]

I think that would burn.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Maybe. I feel like it fits.

[Natalie Jean]

It makes me think of when we learned the very valuable lesson of never put a human being in a bath filled with hot sauce. And that was a lesson that your husband learned. We did it for a sketch, you know, and turns out I feel like.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I could have learned that without doing it. I probably just would think about it for a second.

[Natalie Jean]

You'd think you'd put, like, your hand in there, right? Rather than putting your whole body in it to, like, see if that seems.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Like it's a good idea. Poor choice.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah. And he learned a very valuable lesson that day. We still had to do the sketch.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, God.

[Natalie Jean]

It's like, scrub it off. We've got the campus for three more hours.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah.

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[Jackie Zabrowski]

So he watches Sabine leave immediately. Ethan is also there, of course, and he is beside himself as Connor's boat launches. After he pushes the boat into the water, he collapses to the ground. And Hunt recalls these things, but doesn't give any more updates on whose boat made it at that point. So we know Danica sailed through, but all he reflects on is Ethan's. You know, his despair, his grief in that moment. Thinking about also how his colleague Naomi thinks highly of Ethan, but he watched Ethan be a grade A prick just now. So he's not high on Hunt's nice list currently.

[Natalie Jean]

You better be nicer to Bryce, Ethan.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Chapter 45 is back with Bryce, and she's talking to Juniper on the phone. They're talking about June's potential at being promoted to principal dancer. Bryce thinks she will, but Dune is not too sure about it. June is. She's feeling a little insecure. She thinks she's not been on her game. Bryce is like, yeah, right. You're going. You're. You're going to be princess Principal. In a surprising turn of events at this moment, for us, the readers at least, she is waving goodbye to Hunt, who is hovering outside of her window to make sure she's safe before flying off to the bar to meet with the ox for fun. Who is this man?

[Natalie Jean]

We.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I thought we knew this angel. He doesn't go to the bar to have fun.

[Natalie Jean]

And he was just like, giving her. He's making sure she's okay, doing a little check in and then he's gonna get out of here and. Oh, my God, David, take care of me. I will sit here with my mertail on. If Hunt wants to just take care of me. He can carry me wherever I gotta go.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I don't know if he. I mean, maybe he's into a murder.

[Natalie Jean]

Do you?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Please.

[Natalie Jean]

Landmer might definitely be his thing. But I guess then I'd always have legs.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Well, you'd have to be in a tub all the time.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah. I would have to track you around.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Like a little wagon.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, my God. But he could put me in, like a walking, like, aquarium. That he could take me from place to place.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Like a.

[Natalie Jean]

Like in the shape of water, I imagine like that tube, but something you could put on wheels.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I Was thinking of, like, a Segway with a tank on it.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, that also would work great too. And my head could stick out so I could still talk to him. And it's not just me going, yeah.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

That is a plan.

[Natalie Jean]

I am a woman, not a fish. But I guess that you're both.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Paul Blart Mall Cop sequel where he's a merman and he's on the Segway in a tank.

[Natalie Jean]

I want that to be the full name of the movie. I want everybody to know exactly what they're getting in for. It will play Kevin James. So he's gonna be. Oh, he's gonna be quirky, but, man, he's not gonna be good at being a mayor. But, man, he's gonna try. Which with heart.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

He's not going to be good at being a security guard.

[Natalie Jean]

No, either one. Yeah. He can't be a good mayor or a good security guard at the same time.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

No. So Bryce is also confused why Hunt is deciding to go out tonight, but she's distracted when June throws her a curveball. She tells Bryce that one of the highest demand ballet teachers has just opened up a class to the public. And Juniper has gone out of her way to reserve a spot for Bryce in the class.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, God.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

This sort of startles Bryce, who hasn't danced since Danika's death, despite her loving the art form, even after she was deemed not good enough for pro level. Juniper knows this, but also knows that Bryce is possibly withholding from dance as a self punishment.

[Natalie Jean]

Whoa. Like, save the last dance. Wasn't that part of it? Didn't she, like, lose her mom? And then it was like she, like, didn't want to dance, I think.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

So she moved after her mom died to the city and she was a Trina. But then she's like, oh, look at all these urban people. Wow, they're different.

[Natalie Jean]

I can dance in a chair. And then she does the chair dance.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah. It's so bad.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, it is really bad. But I do always love the memes that come from her end. Like, big dance. That is so dumb.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

It is absolutely ultimately gold. But as a dancer, when that movie came out, I was very annoyed by it, I imagine.

[Natalie Jean]

I imagine you were humiliated for her.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

A little bit, yeah. You know, but with time, yeah, then it becomes fun and cute again because Julia Stiles leans into it. She thinks it's. She did a parody of it on snl.

[Natalie Jean]

Like, she knows what she did, but at the time, she was young and man, you know, sometimes a patriot. Some paycheck.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, Sure.

[Natalie Jean]

I was just about to cross my legs, but I kicked up in a mare. I love the mar tail. Oh, I just feel so safe.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I think that you found a new game for yourself.

[Natalie Jean]

But I'm not, like, sexually aroused by it. I just feel very comfortable.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

That pool under your feet would say differently.

[Natalie Jean]

Well, it's because I needed to be wet before I came in here, Natalie, you know that I was squishing and sliding my way into this studio.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Gross. So they get into a mini argument because June is trying to convince Bryce that she was not only good, but that she loves to dance. And Bryce tries and fails to convince June that she's over it. I actually really connect to this scene because as a dancer growing up, I had a friend who was incredibly gifted, and she was training really hard. She went to performing arts high school. And then something happened to her regarding her body. Like, I know somebody said something to her, and it shut. It broke her in a way where she could never dance again. And it was really devastating because I never actually figured out fully. She never opened up about why, but she went from 100 to 0 and just. You can't. I know other dancers like that, too, who were broken by it, and then they can't dance at all anymore. And it, Like. I don't know how to say this without sounding melodramatic, but as a dancer, like, it is your soul to move and then to just, like, have that shift is really dramatic and drastic. And, like, it's hard. Some people can only go all or nothing. It's like, in a weird way, in addiction, we're like, I can't casually smoke. Right? I can casually dance all I want.

[Natalie Jean]

Yes.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

But I. Some people can have a cigarette every once in a while. I had to quit smoking forever. Forever.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

It's hard. It's like a little bit of a. It's a. It's like a hairy situation. Because Juniper really wants Bryce to, like, find that love again. But sometimes they. People can't.

[Natalie Jean]

And so dancing is so vulnerable because it's you. It is specifically all of you. I feel the same way that I always had difficulty, like. Like, broaching in and doing standup for real. Because I always, like, sketch. Because I could be a character and I could put the character on, rather than being vulnerable as a standup in front of other people. And that was before I realized, oh, well, standup is also just being a character. You just need to know how to write it. And that was something that took me years to figure out. But there's A vulnerability with dance. That is you naked out there. And I ain't talking about clothes. I mean emotionally. That if your spirit is broken, why would you want to continue doing it? You don't want to share that with someone anymore.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Or you. You love it so much that the pain that you're feeling is overwhelming that feeling. Like it. They're. They're at, like, odds with each other. And so we don't really know how Bryce feels in this moment. Like, whether or not she really wants to. But it kind of seems like she kind of does want to, but she doesn't at the same time. Time. So Bryce tries and fails to convince June that she is done. She doesn't care about dance anymore. June won't give up. So Bryce pretends to consider it. And that seems to satisfy June for the moment. Bryce then tries to convince June to come over and watch trash TV with her, have girl dinner.

[Natalie Jean]

Put a cornish on. On a plate, and it's dinner.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

So as she's talking, she's pulling all this stuff from her fridge, which she literally is describing girl dinner. And while June declines, since she's training like crazy to hopefully get promoted, she still alludes how she'd kind of still like to come over so she can ogle hunt.

[Natalie Jean]

Man, if somebody had that kind of a display in their home, you bet your bottom dollar I'm coming to check out the gallery.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Whoa.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, I'm a bit of an art investigator, if you know what I mean. But dress like this. Like, I do want. I do want to be ogling someone flapping my tail, going, I like you, sir.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

So subtle.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, I've always been subtle.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Bryce tells her that she had just met the hottest merman the other day.

[Natalie Jean]

I'm kissing my. Oh, yeah, I gotta kiss my.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

She's kissing her muscles, everyone. Oh, yeah.

[Natalie Jean]

I imagine the most muscly man would make the same noises as him.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

The Tool Man. Taylor. Yeah, I bet they. They have a little lust fest, like just basically drooling over guys. They say their goodbyes and Bryce hangs up and immediately tries to call Fury. Unsurprised, she doesn't pick up and she doesn't bother to leave a message before looking over the assortment of leftovers she's pulled from the fridge. She's used to Fury not responding, and she's not really surprised by it. She begins to feel a little sorry for herself. After munching for a while, she slouches on the couch, flipping through channels, feeling restless. The news. News is filled with the horrors of the day. A Lot of starving humans and war updates.

[Natalie Jean]

Also on the news, Rigelus bright hand of the Asteri appeared, giving some speech on new trade laws at a gilded podium behind him, the five other Asteri sat enthroned in their crystal chamber, cold faced and radiating wealth and power. As always, the seventh thrones sat that empty in honor of their long dead sister.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeesh. That is terrifying.

[Natalie Jean]

No, thank you. Put on some jelly jubilee. You need something else Comfort. That.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

That would be very intimidating form of government. I would. I would imagine.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. They don't get to have a clown house like we get to live in.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah, we have. We have a great.

[Natalie Jean]

Honestly, give me the hysteria at this point. I guess, I guess.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Although I guess if the. The ineptitude is better to have just a bunch of like, I don't know, the loony bins been unleashed.

[Natalie Jean]

He doesn't have like actual power, like the actual power of the asteroid. Oh, like physically physical power.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Manifestations of lightning.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, and like those other cool things. The hysteria of. It sounds a lot like that. Natalie, don't scare everybody that's listening. They're gonna think these scary's here.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I'm here to give them a full immersion.

[Natalie Jean]

Thank you.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

She clicks the TV off and considers reading instead. But she's got too much on her mind to focus. Resigned, she sighs and gets up, telling Syrinx she'll be back soon. The Chimera is miffed, but trots over to his cage and pulls it shut with his little claw. Which is very cute.

[Natalie Jean]

Honestly. It makes me think of when I saw Carmi opening the dishwasher. I watched their dog open the dishwasher, crawl inside and start licking off the plates. And you think, Jackie, why didn't you stop her from doing this? I was just so shocked that I watched her paw open the dishwasher that I kind of just wanted to see what she would do.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

See, I didn't know she did that until I found her in inside of the dishwasher the other day. Jackie was like, oh yeah, she does that.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh yeah, that's like her new thing. I didn't say anything. I just was like, wow, she's so special. Look at her go.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

My dog Carmelita looks kind of like Syrinx. And she, I believe has magic powers because she figures out how to get food in ways that I still don't know. I almost just want to have cameras in the house even though I hate the idea of it. I don't like having the idea of like ring cams inside no, but I want to see how she gets to the food. Every time we try to find new spots for her to not get food, she gets the food.

[Natalie Jean]

Still, she. You know what it is? She's so cute. She looks dumb, but she's not. And she does it like, isn't it better if you treat me like I'm dumb? And I'm like, oh, it is better. Cute little face. Sorry. I will read the passage now. I just needed to tell everybody how smart Carmi is. All right. Bryce locked it, reassuring him again that she wouldn't be out for long, and slipped back into her heels. She'd promised Hunt she would stay put. Had sworn it on the gods. Too bad the angel didn't know that she no longer prayed to any of them. Yeah, bad. Yeah, bad. Doesn't matter.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Bad. It's interesting she decided to put her heels back on. Why she's going all out all dressed up is interesting. We cut over to Hunt, who has barely sat down, was even drinking a beer at the bar, when Naomi, who had taken up the post for him this evening, calls him to tell him Bryce has left. So he's there for, like, two minutes, slightly annoyed. Hunt is not surprised even expected this. The other Triari aren't surprised either, that he almost immediately leaves to go back to duty. They were much more likely surprised that he had agreed to go out in the first place.

[Natalie Jean]

In the first place. Yeah, he shouldn't have come out tonight. The offer had been thrown to him so many times these past four years, and he'd never gone. Not when it had felt so much like being in the 18th again, but this time, when Isaiah had called with his standard caveat, I know you'll say no. But he'd said yes. He didn't know why, but he'd gone.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I can't fully get a read on why he may have done this. Is this because he's coming out of his shell? Did he want to talk about Bryce with somebody?

[Natalie Jean]

Like, I think that also maybe he is starting to have, like. Like, I don't want to say human feelings, but as close to, like, a. A more human experience than he's had in a really long time. And I feel like that makes him want to connect and have a little bit more. Because, like, you're right that he hasn't had anything to talk to anyone about in so long. That, like, this is actually. Maybe he did want to at least say something about it a little. Just, like, get, like, Isaiah to give him a little bit of a, oh, yeah, oh, yeah. Buddy, I know.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Like, I kind of feel like you did want that. You know how when if you have a crush, you. You kind of want to like, bring them up, to just have people, like, react to it or be like, why you bringing them?

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, interesting that you are so fascinated by that person. Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. I hope so.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Well, it doesn't. He doesn't get the chance. He waves goodbye to his colleagues and heads out. Following the coordinates Naomi had given him. Bryce seems to be heading to Firo, but. But he's not sure why. He assumes she's looking for evidence. He makes the five minute flight over the city to where Naomi has tracked her to one of the night gardens that is open to the public in Five Roses. Hmm. Couldn't have been baiting any hunky angels, right, Bryce?

[Natalie Jean]

Well, maybe if she's just standing out there in the moonlight in the perfectly.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Blown out light with all the flowers framing her face. He thanks Naomi, who flies off, presumably to the bar. And Hunt lands next to Bryce, who seems unsurprised that he's arrived. Almost like she planned it. I'm waiting for you to start yelling.

[Natalie Jean]

She continued past beds of night crocuses, their purple petals shimmering amid the vibrant moss. The garden seemed to awaken for her. Welcome her.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

He asks instead what she's doing. Doesn't yell, just wants to know what. What's going on. And after some back and forth, she reveals that the quiet can be hard for her and she needed to get some fresh air. Restless. He had tried to invite her to the bar, but she knew the Triari wouldn't be able to relax if she was there. And he basically agrees with her on that. She smiles and asks if he and Naomi are a thing really subtle.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, girl.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Hunt tells her no. He asks again why she's walking alone in a garden. She's evasive.

[Natalie Jean]

Hunt moved before he could think. Gripping her elbow, she peered up into his face.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Is this the part where you start yelling?

[Natalie Jean]

Lightning cracked through the sky and echoed in his veins as he leaned closer and purred.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Would you like me to yell, Bryce Quinlan, stop.

[Natalie Jean]

Yes. Yes, I do.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

They regard each other and she tells him, maybe flirtatiously. Yeah, maybe. He's like, oh, yeah. And he tells her that that can be arranged.

[Natalie Jean]

All of his focus narrowed on the dip of her eyes to his mouth, the blush that bloomed over her freckled cheeks, inviting him to taste every rosy inch. No one and nothing existed but this but her. He never heard the night dark bushes behind him Rustling Never heard the branches cracking. Not until the Crystalos crashed into him and sank its teeth into his shoulder. It's no good. Yeah, it's no good.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

That was like an excited air horn sound.

[Natalie Jean]

No, it was an air horn, but I guess the air horn was more in an emergency air horn. It was differently used. Yeah. Yeah. Yes. Thank you. Haunting. As if a tornado is coming.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yes. Special shout out to our research assistant for being a self starter, taking initiative upon herself to be in a block counter starting with this chapter.

[Natalie Jean]

Yes. I love cockblock Counter. Cockblock number one.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Crystalos one man.

[Natalie Jean]

How. Oh, I love you, Jess. Thank you so much for the cockblock count because it is insane throughout the rest of this book. Yeah. Just like. Honestly, it's like me and the mertale. I get you. I understand. I feel the passion between you because. Oh, if I could Only you could use.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Only I could have my lower half. Laughs so they are both in shock at the start of chapter 46. Hunt quickly jumps into action protecting Bryce and lunges for the demon. He has a knife, but the Crystal O still manages to get a chunk.

[Natalie Jean]

I love chunk of honk.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

A chunk of hunk the light. Hunt's lightning, which he'd been summoning to attack, sputters out after the bite. So the Crystallos just lunge, gets a big bite out of his arm and he's trying to summon his lightning to attack. Even though it was like, you know, he has with his has restrained magic, but he still has some and suddenly he can't get any lightning. Bryce, during this, is frozen in shock and her mind is reeling for what must have seemed like days. But in the reality of the book, Hunt only has to shout at her once to get her moving with him, commanding her to call the ox as he's trying to fight the crystal soft. Instead she grabs for Hunt's gun from his side as he battles this demon and the demon attention snaps to her instead. She fires the gun and misses because the Crystalos is too fast.

[Natalie Jean]

No.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

But its attention is drawn to Bryce in this moment. And it allows hun to the moments it takes to stab, stab, stab it in the neck. It fights, still screeching, but he manages to twist the knife again and sever its spinal cord. Bryce then fires a shot into it and thank you guys. I guess I should say thank you. SJM Hunt fully takes its head off, then dissects its body and stabs it in the heart. It is so annoying in horror movies when the protagonist gets the villain down and then just runs away.

[Natalie Jean]

Are you kidding me? If I am in the process. I mean, I'm assuming because I've never killed a person before, but if I was killing a person that was coming at me, you bet your ass I am going after it. I want it destroyed. I wanted to definitely, definitely never. When they do the walk past and the grab of the. Of the ankle thing, nothing drives me crazier in a. What are you talking about killing it? Make sure it's very, very dead.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

It is just so annoying. It's lazy to write that.

[Natalie Jean]

I hate it.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I hate that trope in horror so much. Unless there is a specific reason other than we need to finish the movie.

[Natalie Jean]

Yes, that.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

To just, like, hit the vill. The super villain in the head and go like, oh, we're fine. Finally did it.

[Natalie Jean]

We did it.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

So annoying. The blood flows like crystal Pepsi across the sidewalk dome.

[Natalie Jean]

Mentioning crystal Pepsi. Oh, my God.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Well, the blood's clear.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, let the Pepsi like the crystal.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Pepsi was for that one year in the 90s.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, I remember how much Pepsi Blue I used to puke up. Pepsi Blue came out at the right time to be a perfect young person mixer.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, definitely.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, baby, I puked so much blue.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

The ox lands there moments later. I don't know how they knew to land there because she didn't call them. But maybe it was just like they were on security cameras or something. But the ox.

[Natalie Jean]

I wonder if they, like, feel Hunt as. What? Like, know where he is. Like, I wonder if they have that kind of a connection.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Like, they can feel when he's in pain and when he's, like, having an orgasm.

[Natalie Jean]

Like twins.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Weird.

[Natalie Jean]

I don't know if twins feel those things. I don't think that's a thing. But what if it was like. Like twins?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

That's gross. And so they go immediately lock to locking up the scene. And the medw from the last chapter appears shortly after the one that run spoke with whose name we still don't know. The Medwich begins to attend to the pretty severe wounds that Hunt achieved while battling. While the ox go about setting up all of the. What is it called? The mag. Magisc screens. And, like, cut.

[Natalie Jean]

Grabby catchers.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Grabby catcher. And Bryce watches Hunt collapse and sees the silvery goo mixed with his escaping blood. Recalls the stinging burn of this mysterious fluid from her night. She watches the Medwich pull a worm from a jar and attach it to Hunt's wound. Naomi the angel appears next to Bryce and informs her that this thing is called a mithridate leech. I don't Know how to say that, but sure. Mithridate, also known as Mithridatium, is a semi mythical remedy with as many as 65 ingredients. It came from 1st century BC to the Roman Republic. There was an emperor named Mithrad or a ruler named Mithridates. Mithridates. And so that came from a. I just thought that was interesting.

[Natalie Jean]

Hell yeah.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Culture. So Naomi goes on to say this leech is sucking out the Crystallis venom from Hunt. Thankfully, Hunt is still conscious. He's not so hurt that it's like a crisis. And he informs the group that the venom seems to have nullified his lightning.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh God.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Bryce has the realization that this is perhaps how the Crystalos overtook the pack of devils as well as Micah.

[Natalie Jean]

Makes sense.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

If it was able to use the element of surprise, perhaps it was able to dull their powers.

[Natalie Jean]

And probably while they're so surprised at the dulling of their powers that they can't do anything, that's when they attack.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

At least it's a theory. And as Bryce shakes off the suggestion to get looked at by the med witch. So Naomi is like, basically, you should go, probably get looked at. And Bryce says, I'm fine, I'm fine. Don't even worry. Suddenly the very air shifts as Micah touches down, his power rippling. He demands to know the details. And though Bryce is shaking and feeling quite broken at the moment, she steps up to face Micah, who could very well punish Hunt for this somehow. She tells him the basics and insists that Hunt took the crystalos down alone, though Hunt interjects that they work together to kill it. Despite Hunt's request to examine the body, Micah makes it clear that the priority is avoiding attention, especially from Sandriel. And despite protests, he incinerates the Crystallos corpse with a flash of light. No press. This is only other words on the matter.

[Natalie Jean]

Wait a second. Micah. Yeah.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

So Micah comes in and says, I'm not dealing with this and neither are you or making this go away. And he just makes the body turn into ash.

[Natalie Jean]

It's just so interesting. You mean go away? Like the whole. Like the fact that there's another crystal Os, the fact that like this is continuing, the fact that you have no control over it. I see why you don't want anybody to know. But me thinks that it's not a good idea to not let anybody know.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yes, it's not a good idea. But he is thinking only really of his, about himself and his reputation and the city's reputation.

[Natalie Jean]

Mike is not a good guy.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Doesn't seem like it.

[Natalie Jean]

No, I Guess any person that's, like, keeping, you know, slaves. I guess we don't have to find out that he's not a good guy, right?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Like, comparable to Cendril, maybe, but in general, not great.

[Natalie Jean]

No.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

So, as the others go on to deal with the scene, Hunt and Bryce have a moment alone together. And Bryce tells him, even though she's come up with this concept and they. They've realized that maybe the venom nullifies power, it's still not making sense that this demon could have nullified the whole pack. He assures her that they'll go over all of this a little later when they're away from here in the nimble.

[Natalie Jean]

Little years that are everywhere and hear so much.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

The two of them seem to think that this attack solidifies their theory about Sabine enough that they decide to tell Micah.

[Natalie Jean]

Do you have anything to say for yourself, Sabitch?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

No.

[Natalie Jean]

Whoa.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Not right now.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, you're so good at BC. You say you're bad at being a, but I think you're secretly good at it.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Thank you.

[Natalie Jean]

You're welcome. You're welcome. Because you can be a bad when you want to be.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, I'm a bad.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, everybody's saying it.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

That's what all of the mermans say about me.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, is that. Is it getting better as the episode goes on?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

There we go. See, there she goes. That's her muscles. That's her muscles flexing.

[Natalie Jean]

I don't know how to make. Other than putting your arms up in the regular muscle man position. Like, I don't even know other muscle man. Like, I want to do the. Like.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

You can't do that many sitting in a chair. You have to get stand up.

[Natalie Jean]

Thank you. You. It's because I'm sitting in the chair. That's what's keeping me.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

It definitely doesn't help.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah. Thank you.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

They walk to where Micah is standing behind the magic screens blocking the crime scene from the public.

[Natalie Jean]

Micah's eyes went from annoyed to enraged to outright glacial. When Hunt was done, the governor looked between them.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

You need more evidence. So they explain their theory about why they think Sabine is behind this. And he seems to be receptive to it, but also says, I can't take this wolf woman down unless you provide me with more evidence.

[Natalie Jean]

You need actual proof for them to do anything about that. And it's sad that even in this world that that is still the case that you. I mean, I guess it's good that you need to have proof. I guess, judging your e. Whatever. But I also. It's like she's a though and we should take her down.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Hunt assures Micah that he'll get it. Micah reminds him he better not this up. And then he flat flat flaps away into the night.

[Natalie Jean]

Are you talking about my Dale?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Can you fly with it?

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, I could. Girl, just push me off a leg.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

No, I will not.

[Natalie Jean]

I just want to see if I can fly.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Hunt tells Bryce he's well enough to fly them back to her place. We cut to a Rune POV that occurs just moments later, him having arrived just a few minutes after Brunt took off. According to Naomi, Brunt is just such a great.

[Natalie Jean]

You know, it's a weird, aggressive nickname this.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

As Rune leans down to inspect the blood that remains at the scene, he hears the voice of the Medwich that he has met with and turns to face her. The two discuss the potential effects of the Crystallos blood and the witch admits in the scene that she is familiar with the demon, which could have been helpful since they spent like days and days trying to figure out what it was.

[Natalie Jean]

But yeah, but they're also like not allowed to tell anybody about what's going on.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Technical so before he can inquire further about what she knows about the Crystalos, they are distracted by by Flynn arriving to the scene. And before Ruhn can turn back to inquire more, the witch has disappeared into the night as well, flying into the sky and her broom run realizes he still didn't catch her name. Bryce and Hunt have just landed on the roof of Bryce's apartment at chapter 47, just in time for the storm that had promised to arrive all night to be unleashed. They are immediately soaking wet as Hunt looks down at Bryce, whose face is haunted. He decides not to let go of her hips after he sets her down. Her distant eyes focus on him at that, and before he knows it, she's wrapping her arms around his waist.

[Natalie Jean]

Do you want to have a moment with me, Natalie? I'm looking at you.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

You really are.

[Natalie Jean]

Expectantly.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

What kind of moment?

[Natalie Jean]

I want a magical moment. Natalie.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Are you with Sabine or Natalie?

[Natalie Jean]

Crack ship.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, crack ship. They wouldn't. There wouldn't be no crack ship. Nope.

[Natalie Jean]

If I just yell crack at you.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I don't think Sabine and Therian would hug each other.

[Natalie Jean]

No, I don't think so. No, I don't think that.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I think she would like, put his.

[Natalie Jean]

His.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Her forearm against his throat against a wall. As though she's gonna threaten him. And then she'd be like, or maybe I can show you another way to be punished.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh my God. Crack Ship. Yeah. I could see that happening between the two of them, but I can only see it in my mind's eye. And you can't take that away.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

You can't. They're in the rain on the roof. She is clearly, like, reeling from everything that just happened. They were just literally attacked by a demon.

[Natalie Jean]

I know, Jackie, it's not hor. Horny. Put your fins down.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

No, it's not that it's not horny.

[Natalie Jean]

But there is a lot just happened.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah. There's a. Beyond the sexual aspect of their flirting. This is a big step for Bryce that she's hugging Hunt for comfort. She doesn't really have those kind of friendships anymore.

[Natalie Jean]

So big.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

And to allow herself to be held is kind of a big deal.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, it is.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

She's never shown that level of needing him before. So, like, actually hugging him is like. Like kind of a thing.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Hunt's more than happy to oblige, and he wraps his arms around her, willing warmth into her shaking body. They both agree that this night has sucked, even though Bryce suggests they get out of the rain. She makes no move to leave and, in fact, begins to stroke his back, which brings Hunt to full attention. Yes, I mean it that way. He takes it as a welcome to lean into her neck, and she seems happy with it as she bears her neck a little bit more. When he leans down, he can't stop how her scent makes him feel.

[Natalie Jean]

Do you ever think about it when you're, like, bearing your neck to your husband? Do you think about, like, oh, man, if you were a vampire, he'd be sucking on my neck right now.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I haven't.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, but, yeah, I mean, either. I just. You know, it's one of those things where, like, you start thinking about how, like, baring your neck is such a vulnerable thing, and then it's just like. Well, sometimes I think, like, oh, if he just like.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I mean, it makes sense. I get it.

[Natalie Jean]

It would make sense if all of a sudden I felt the fangs pierce my skin.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I just dream of sexually intrusive thought.

[Natalie Jean]

I just. You know, I just think about my husband being a vampire sometimes. I feel like everybody goes through that. That it overrode every instinct, every pained memory, every vow he'd sworn.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

So he is essentially like her scent is overwhelming him. He very nearly kisses her neck as she leans further into him. He can't stop himself from sliding his hands down her sides towards her, quote, perfect ass that had tortured him since day one.

[Natalie Jean]

When the metal door to the roof opened, Hunt already had his gun drawn. And aimed toward it as Sabine stepped out and snarled, back the fuck up.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

And that's what we call cockpluck number two.

[Natalie Jean]

Thanks, Sabin. Yasa fucked it up for us.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

All right, we're almost done, so we're.

[Natalie Jean]

Yes.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Chapter 48. We're with Hunt's POV, and he is deciding what. What options he has with his gun aimed at Sabine and her having her gun aimed at Bryce. She won't let them move, won't let Hunt leap in front of Bryce. Sabine's aim was at Bryce's heart, and though he wraps an arm around her waist, he isn't sure he can launch them into the air fast enough to avoid Bryce taking that shot. It would be fatal. No coming back from it. Sabine walks closer to them, and Hunt realizes she must have switched out the surveillance footage on this roof to a recording, just like she did the night of the blackout. Otherwise, the ox would already be appearing. Sabine is pissed. She chastises them for sticking their noses into wolf business by showing up at the den. Bryce, even with her life in the balance, calls Sabine a psycho and tells her they know she killed Danika. Sabine's shock comes as a surprise to Hunt. He watches her go fully, still knows her ticks and traits as a matter of business. And he realizes that she isn't faking her disbelief. Oh, you think that I killed my own daughter? Bryce unleashes everything they think they've discovered about her. That she stole the horn, that she's been summoning demons, that she killed Danika out of bitter jealousy.

[Natalie Jean]

Sabine laughed low and hollow.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

What utter bullshit. Hunt snarls that they know of all of her dirty deeds, that they're going to get proof. This seems like a bad idea to say to someone aiming a gun at their heart, but apparently it is effective. She puts the safety back on her gun and puts it away, calling them stupid fucks.

[Natalie Jean]

Hunt didn't dare lower his gun, didn't dare let go of Bryce. Not, as Sabine said, cold and joyless.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I was protecting her. Danika stole the horn.

[Natalie Jean]

Bum, bum, bum. Boing, boing, boing, boing, boing, boing. It's not what I expected. It's not like. Definitely reading this part. The first time reading this, I was just like, what are you talking about?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah, I mean, it's just another layer of just what is happening.

[Natalie Jean]

What is happening.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

The more that we get into this book, the more that we're with Bryce. Realizing she doesn't know that much about Danika, or at least the Danika she thought thought she knew didn't really exist.

[Natalie Jean]

And it just keeps unfolding, unfolding, unfolding. And this is really like only the. It's only just because really has. There's so much. There's so much. There's so many ebbs and flows that are still. We're only, I dare say, halfway through the first book. So, guys, buckle up, buckle in, because we got a lot more ups in the future.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

There's no so many twists and turns you're gonna have to take the neck break. No, the thing with it for vomit tennis. What? For throwing up.

[Natalie Jean]

Dramamine.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Thank you, Ryan.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, Dramamine.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

You're gonna have to take your Dramamine. Yeah, our show's gonna make you barf.

[Natalie Jean]

So get a bucke.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Please read up until chapter 52 for next week. Netcredit is here to say yes because you're more than a credit score. Apply in minutes and get a decision.

[Natalie Jean]

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[Jackie Zabrowski]

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[Natalie Jean]

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[Jackie Zabrowski]

Learn [e-mail] partners. Net Credit Credit to the people.

[Netcredit Advertiser]

Hey, I'm Paul Scheer.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I'm June Diane Rayfield.

[Natalie Jean]

And I'm Jason Mantzoukas.

[Netcredit Advertiser]

And we're the hosts of how did this Get Made? A comedy podcast where we deconstruct, make fun of and celebrate the best worst movies ever made.

[Natalie Jean]

Have you ever seen a movie that's so bad that it's actually good? That's what we're talking about. From blockbuster franchises and made for TV.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Romances to bonkers 80s action flicks and.

[Netcredit Advertiser]

Obscure sci fi musicals, we cover it all.

[Natalie Jean]

You can find how did this Get Made? Wherever you get your podcast. And don't forget to follow the show so you never miss an episode. Idiot.