Chapter 23
Chapter 24: Morrigan
Overview
Rhysand visits the broken Tamlin at his manor to offer military support from the Summer Court and confront the devastated High Lord about his actions. Despite his deep anger over Tamlin's past crimes, Rhysand uses his magic to prepare food for the starving male, offering a pragmatic alliance born from Feyre's recent kindness.
Summary
Rhysand arrives at Tamlin's manor and finds him in the kitchen, catatonic before a freshly killed elk. The Night Court High Lord informs Tamlin that he has secured soldiers from Prince Varian and Tarquin to defend Spring's borders, which will arrive within days. Tamlin, appearing broken and barely responsive, asks whether Feyre will ever forgive him and whether he deserves forgiveness. Rhysand refuses to pretend an apology could absolve Tamlin's past crimes—including the deaths of Rhysand's mother and sister—but acknowledges Lucien's warning that they will need Tamlin as an ally. Despite his unresolved hatred, Rhysand uses magic to butcher the elk, kindle the stove, and prepare a steak, commanding Tamlin to eat. He frames this not as forgiveness or kindness, but as practical necessity: Tamlin cannot die before the larger conflict is resolved. Rhysand then winnows away.
Characters
- RhysandVisits Tamlin to offer military support and confronts him about his past actions; uses magic to prepare food for the starving male despite his lingering anger.
- TamlinFound broken and catatonic in his kitchen; asks about Feyre's forgiveness and appears to be wasting away; remains largely unresponsive to Rhysand's overtures.
- FeyreMentioned as Rhysand's mate; her recent kindness toward others motivates Rhysand's decision to help Tamlin despite his anger.
- LucienMentioned; previously warned Rhysand and Feyre that they will need Tamlin as an ally.
- VarianPrince of Adriata who agreed to request that Tarquin dispatch soldiers to Spring's border.
- TarquinHigh Lord of Summer Court whose soldiers will be sent to defend Spring's border at Varian's request.