Chapter 16

Feyre arrives at Rhysand's town house in Velaris, a hidden city untouched by Amarantha's devastation. She meets members of Rhysand's Inner Circle at the door and retreats to a guest bedroom, where she learns the city's protection is Rhysand's story to tell. Overwhelmed by grief and trauma, she falls into an exhausted sleep.

Feyre enters Rhysand's private town house in Velaris and learns it is warded so only he and Mor can winnow directly inside, making it a safe refuge. Two members of Rhysand's Inner Circle arrive at the front door—Cassian, a cocky male with wings, and a darker-voiced male whose presence makes Feyre uneasy. A third figure, a sharp-tongued female, also appears. Rhysand gives Feyre two choices: meet them now or rest upstairs and change into appropriate clothing. Choosing rest, Feyre escapes to the second floor as the group enters below, overhearing their casual banter about food and a gathering called "the House." Nuala and Cerridwen, fae servants, lead Feyre to a bedroom with a garden view. When Feyre asks how Velaris survived Amarantha's destruction unscathed for five thousand years, the twins refuse to explain, saying it is Rhysand's story to tell. Feyre becomes distressed at the thought of darkness and asks the curtains remain open. She lies in bed listening to the fire and garden sounds, wondering if her exile from the Spring Court is deserved punishment, before sleep overtakes her.