After six silent months, the Master of Empyrean Hall takes a call from Shadow, who reports their investigation suspects his mother's death was likely caused by the Blood Alliance. Minutes later a desperate woman hires him to shake off pursuers, offering $10,000. He drives her through a tunnel, limited by the speed limit, manages to lose the tail and drops her off. Once safe she complains of intense heat despite the AC. Worried, he checks her and asks, "Did you perhaps drink something bad?"