Chapter 18: Feyre

On Solstice morning, Feyre wakes to Rhysand's birthday gifts and they share an intimate morning together before he is dragged away by Cassian and Azriel for a mysterious tradition. Feyre spends the day reviewing household finances and helping her sister Elain prepare for the Solstice feast, during which Lucien unexpectedly arrives at their door.

Feyre wakes on her birthday to find Rhysand beside her with wrapped presents. He gives her three gifts: a beautiful leather-bound sketchbook with her initials, a soft blue wool scarf, and a fine leather satchel with art supplies already packed inside. After intimate time together, including Feyre drawing Rhysand, they emerge around eleven to find the townhouse quiet. At breakfast, Cassian and Azriel arrive in Illyrian leathers and forcibly drag Rhysand away, claiming it is a birthday tradition, leaving Feyre amused. She spends the afternoon doing paperwork, reviewing household expenses and considering whether to purchase a studio space, ultimately deciding to postpone the decision. She finds Elain in the kitchen working on Solstice preparations alongside servants Nuala and Cerridwen, who Rhysand has given generous bonuses. As Feyre and Elain chat and sample the baked goods, a knock at the door arrives. Elain opens it expecting Nesta, but instead finds Lucien standing on the doorstep with a tight smile, greeting them both with "Happy Solstice."