In the prologue of “Ninth House,” Alex Stern copes with the aftermath of a traumatic incident at the mansion on Orange. Seeking solace, she retreats to the seaside resort she loved as a child. As she grapples with her emotional turmoil, mysterious messages addressed to her and another person, Finn, begin appearing on the beach. Forced to engage in a conversation, they discuss their burnout and attempt to uncover secrets.
The narrative then shifts to “Hell Bent,” where Alex faces new challenges at Black Elm. Suspicious of an open door leading to the basement, she cautiously investigates, only to fall and find herself in a dark and blood-stained space. The discovery of two Grays, terrified and covered in fresh blood, adds to the enigma. As Alex questions the circumstances, she realizes they are not alone in the basement.