Chapter 3: Cassian

Rhysand visits the Illyrian camp at Windhaven to support Cassian in negotiating training time for Illyrian females with camp-lord Devlon, despite resistance rooted in traditional gender roles. Rhysand and Cassian discuss growing dissension among the clans regarding their involvement in the recent war, and Rhysand invites Cassian to return to Velaris for the Winter Solstice celebration, which also marks Feyre's twenty-first birthday.

Rhysand arrives at the Windhaven camp in the Illyrian Mountains on a snowy morning to find Cassian in a tense negotiation with Devlon over allowing Illyrian females to train. Rhysand observes the rigid gender divisions in the camp, where females are expected to perform domestic labor regardless of age while males have access to warrior training and trades. After Devlon resists, citing Solstice preparations, Rhysand intervenes and ultimately compromises at ninety minutes of daily training for the females, with all genders expected to help with holiday preparations. Inside their semi-permanent stone house, Cassian reveals that dissension is brewing among the Illyrian clans, with both males and females now spreading rumors that Rhysand and Cassian sent warriors to battle as personal revenge for their own mistreatment. Rhysand decides they must handle this peacefully and asks Cassian to monitor the situation before returning to Velaris. Cassian briefly asks about Nesta, and Rhysand confirms both of Feyre's sisters will attend Solstice, though he acknowledges the tension between Cassian and Nesta remains unresolved since the events in Hybern. Rhysand reflects on his anxiety about his happiness with Feyre, feeling it may come at a cost, but Cassian reassures him that they have both earned their peace. The chapter ends with Rhysand departing for a meeting in Cesere, having secured Cassian's promise to return home three days before Solstice.