Hell Bent

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. Dawes defends their actions, saying they found Darlington, but Anselm is unimpressed. He relieves Turner of his duties and bans Alex and Dawes from using Lethe’s resources. Alex argues with him, pointing out that he only offered to help her when he realized she had something he wanted. When Anselm accuses them of endangering the organization and campus, Dawes criticizes Lethe’s rules, and she and Alex leave Lethe behind, giving up their ties to the organization that had become their home and sanctuary.

Alex wakes up in her dorm feeling unwell and guilty for leaving Darlington’s soul behind. She had invited Dawes to stay with her and Mercy, but Dawes wanted some alone time. Alex struggles with her guilt and doubts her ability to care for others. When she talks to Mercy, Alex realizes she slept for 36 hours and worries about losing her Lethe scholarship at Yale. Darlington’s mentor Michelle visits and raises concerns about Alex’s safety. Michelle seems to lie about her whereabouts during Dean Beekman’s death, and when confronted, she dismisses it.

In class, Alex sees someone who looks like Hellie, but it is not a Gray. She follows Hellie outside, and they talk, but Hellie’s behavior becomes erratic and hostile. Hellie reveals herself as a demon and attacks Alex. Despite not defeating the demon, Alex escapes and warns Dawes to alert the others.

Alex seeks refuge in Il Bastone after the demon attack, but she spots Hellie waiting outside. She warns the others and confronts Hellie, allowing Dawes to wound the demon with salt. Once Mercy and Turner arrive, they discuss the demons gathering outside, each representing their past guilt. They also believe that during the original use of the Gauntlet in 1933, Reiter’s demon consumed him and became a vampire. Dawes suggests returning to hell to make things right, and they share their experiences with the demons. They decide to eat before continuing their plans.

Dawes is excited about a protection spell Mercy found. They gather ingredients from Lethe’s stores and perform the spell in the armory. Alex reflects on the mundane nature of the magical process and the uniqueness of Dawes’ abilities. The spell produces salt figurines as guardians for each of them. They discuss their plans to rescue Darlington and face the demons again when a fire breaks out, started by the demons trying to smoke them out of the house. Alex uses her snake-shaped salt guardian to scare them away but anticipates more attacks to come.

The group drops off Dawes and Tripp at their magically protected apartments. Alex and Mercy return to their dorm and cover up their absence with a story about a candy exchange and a fire incident when questioned by Lauren. They discuss future housing plans, and Mercy considers studying in France as a cover for her Lethe involvement, though Alex reminds her they are no longer associated with the organization.

Later, Alex receives a call from Dawes, who informs her that the Praetor wants to meet regarding the previous night’s events. She spots Reiter in the courtyard with other demons, leading to a panic attack that Dawes helps her through. Turner also contacts her about a suspect in the murder case, the son of a disgraced professor connected to both victims. However, he notes that something is off.

Later, Eitan approaches her on campus, insisting she finish the business he assigned her with Reiter. After that, he says he will leave her alone.

Alex worries about Eitan knowing she is at Yale and panics about what he might know. Her demon arrives, now looking more like Alex than Hellie. Alex’s tattoos appear on the demon’s body as she feeds on her despair. Alex tries to defend herself, but is saved by Tripp, who uses his salt spirit to force the demon to retreat.

Alex and Tripp realize that the impostor demons feed on human emotions. Alex warns the group to stay emotionally strong. She then meets with new Praetor Walsh-Whiteley, who avoids discussing Alex’s banishment from Lethe. Instead, he assigns her to oversee an upcoming ritual and emphasizes her responsibilities, leaving her wondering why Anselm did not reveal what happened to the Lethe board.

Alex discusses her meeting with Walsh-Whiteley and her concerns about Anselm’s safety with Dawes. Turner joins them, sharing his experience with the demon disguised as his deceased grandfather and the toll it is taking on him.

Alex and Turner visit Yale New Haven’s mental health hospital to question the suspect of the recent murders, Andy. They learn his intent was humiliation, not murder. Alex notices his mention of a “ram” and pushes for more information. Andy describes the ram as knowledgeable about the town’s history and willing to help him make things right. He refers to the ram as a “gentleman.” Realizing that he is talking about Darlington, Alex abruptly leaves the hospital, suspecting that Darlington might be playing a game with them.