Chapter 21: Cassian

This chapter is a POV shift to Cassian. During a Solstice celebration at the Night Court townhouse, Nesta arrives late and remains emotionally distant throughout the evening, sitting apart from the group. As the night progresses, tensions simmer beneath the festivities, particularly between Cassian and Nesta, culminating in Cassian storming out after Feyre to follow Nesta into the freezing night.

The chapter opens with Nesta's arrival at the townhouse for Solstice festivities. She hesitates at the threshold, her demeanor cold and wary, but eventually enters. Feyre welcomes her while Cassian watches intently from by the fire. Amren greets Nesta bluntly about her appearance, and Nesta responds with a faint smile, breaking some tension. The group exchanges gifts: Elain gives Nesta a set of novels from a bookshop; Feyre presents paintings to Cassian, Azriel, and Mor; Azriel opens Elain's gift of a powder for headaches, laughing with genuine joy in response. Throughout the evening, Nesta remains largely silent and distant, observing the group as though separated from them by an invisible barrier. Feyre notes that Cassian appears to be forcing his participation in the festivities. As midnight approaches and guests begin departing, Nesta quietly leaves. Feyre follows her to the door and gives her a banker's note for rent, which Nesta accepts without comment before departing into the cold night. Immediately after, Cassian rushes past Feyre and storms out the front door after Nesta.