Hell Bent

Alex is disoriented and standing in an orchard filled with strange fruit-bearing trees. Soon, she is joined by her companions. She realizes that she saw all their memories, along with those of Hellie.

Uncertain of their location, they discuss the significance of the orchard’s fruit, linked to the Tree of Knowledge. Alex’s blue flame rekindles, reminding her of her capacity against the powers of hell. They decide to search for Darlington and leave the orchard, entering an abandoned version of New Haven. As they explore further, they reach the ruins of Black Elm, where they find Darlington trapped in the cycle of trying to rebuild it. Alex uses the box she brought to hold his soul, but distorted wolves attack them. Through the reflection, they see someone approaching Mercy. Alex is bitten, and Darlington escapes the box to help. He urges them to leave him and says Alex will reach him again.

To protect her friends, Alex creates a blazing wheel of fire, causing the ground to split beneath them, and they fall through the flames.

Alex and her companions return to the courtyard and realize Mercy was interrupted by Anselm, who confronts them. He accuses them of putting Lethe at risk.