Chapter 213 of All the Colors of the Dark focuses on Saint as she sits in her cruiser, quietly observing the building that houses her only friend. She is torn between the desire to confide in him about her recent experiences, particularly her role in rescuing Ashlee Miller, a young woman whose life was spared because of Saint’s pursuit of Eli Aaron. Despite her efforts, which involved heading into the swampland fully armed, Saint is still unable to find the man who could direct her to Grace. The feeling of being so close yet so far from her goal intensifies her frustration, as she struggles with the weight of her mission and the emotional toll it takes. The longing to share these burdens with someone who understands her is palpable, but she remains isolated in her pursuit, consumed by the task at hand. The emotional and physical strain of her journey is overwhelming, yet the hope of reaching Grace keeps her going, even as the truth eludes her.

As night begins to fall, Saint seeks solace in a nearby bar, ordering a bourbon to settle her mind. The atmosphere, filled with the familiar smells and sounds of conversation, transports her to memories of her grandmother’s porch, providing a fleeting moment of peace. However, her temporary respite is shattered when a news report featuring Jimmy Walters, a man from her past, flashes on the television screen. The sight of his face sparks an emotional reaction in Saint, as the memory of his once-welcoming smile contrasts sharply with the darker reality of his true nature. This discrepancy triggers a surge of grief and anger within her, and in a fit of rage, she hurls her glass at the screen, the shattering glass symbolizing the breaking of her emotional control. The act, though impulsive, captures the intensity of her pain, revealing how deeply the past continues to haunt her.

The sound of the glass breaking draws the attention of others in the bar, creating a chaotic scene. In the midst of the turmoil, Blackjack, a familiar figure from her past, steps in to intervene, helping her exit the bar before the situation escalates further. As they walk away from the scene, Blackjack asks about her connection to Jimmy, prompting a painful admission from Saint. She reflects on the man Jimmy once was, acknowledging that he was not a good person, a truth that cuts deep as she relives the betrayal and heartache associated with him. Their conversation, filled with unspoken understanding, is abruptly interrupted when Blackjack returns to manage the aftermath of her outburst, leaving Saint alone to process the raw emotions that have resurfaced. Under the night sky, she is left to confront her feelings of grief, anger, and the weight of her past, which refuse to fade into the darkness.

This chapter skillfully captures the tension between memory and reality, with Saint’s emotional journey serving as the focal point. As she grapples with the complexities of her past, the chapter delves into her internal struggles and the emotional turmoil she experiences. The pain of reliving memories, particularly those tied to Jimmy Walters, highlights the deep scars left by her past and the difficulty of moving forward. Saint’s outburst, driven by her raw emotions, serves as a release, yet it also underscores the weight of her unresolved trauma. The chapter emphasizes the loneliness of Saint’s path, as she seeks solace but is constantly reminded of the past that haunts her. The night sky, which offers no judgment or clarity, serves as a metaphor for her journey—a journey filled with uncertainty and unresolved pain. It’s a poignant moment in the narrative, showing the vulnerability of a character who is both searching for redemption and battling the ghosts of her history.