Chapter 6: Morrigan

Feyre spends an intimate evening with Rhys as they prepare for a visit to the Court of Nightmares. The chapter explores their relationship dynamics, Feyre's newly discovered Fae fertility cycle, her concerns about her sisters, and an opportunity to paint with other artists in the city.

Feyre waits in bed for Rhys's return home, and when he arrives exhausted from his day, she insists on bringing him food despite his protests. While he eats, they banter about his lack of self-care and her concerns about his willingness to attend the Court of Nightmares visit. Their conversation turns to Feyre's experience of her biannual Fae fertility cycle, which causes severe pain far worse than her human menstruation. Rhys had cared for her through her first cycle two months ago, despite her embarrassment. Feyre expresses worry about her sisters Nesta and Elain experiencing their own cycles soon, particularly concerned about Nesta enduring the pain alone. She also notes Lucien's continued longing for Elain, who ignores him and tends to her gardens while mourning her lost human life and her human betrothed, Graysen. When Feyre mentions this situation, Rhys struggles with forgiving Lucien for how he treated her after Under the Mountain, though he can tolerate him. Feyre pushes back, noting that Rhys also struggles with Nesta but easily forgives Elain. Their conversation becomes more intimate as Feyre shares that an artist named Ressina invited her to paint with others in two nights. Feyre expresses guilt about taking time for painting when there is so much rebuilding to do in the city, but Rhys encourages her to pursue it. They exchange thoughts through their bond about desire and love, reminiscing about their bond's formation and Rhys's declaration that he wanted her even Under the Mountain. As they grow more intimate, Mor interrupts from outside the bedroom door to remind them they must leave soon for the Court of Nightmares. Frustrated, Rhys heads to the bathing room to cool off in ice-cold water.