Chapter 25

Feyre returns to her family's mortal estate for the first time since her transformation into a High Fae. She reveals her true nature to her sisters Elain and Nesta, and asks to use their house as a meeting place for High Fae and human Queens to strategize against the threat posed by the King of Hybern. Nesta initially refuses, but Elain persuades her to help by appealing to Feyre's past sacrifices.

Feyre arrives at her family's snow-covered estate with three companions concealed by Rhysand's glamours. She rings the doorbell, and the housekeeper Mrs. Laurent answers but hesitates upon sensing something otherworldly about her. Elain appears and begins crying at the sight of Feyre, while Nesta descends the stairs, shocked. Inside the drawing room, Feyre removes her hood, revealing her pointed ears and transformed Fae appearance. She explains she died and was reborn, then recounts her ordeal under the Mountain with Amarantha and her subsequent transformation. Feyre proposes using the house as a secret meeting place for High Fae allies and the Queens of the Realm to prepare against King Hybern's threat. Nesta immediately refuses, citing the danger to their standing and mentioning that Elain is engaged to marry Graysen, son of a lord who hunts Fae. Elain counters that without help, the King of Hybern poses a greater threat than any social consequences, and suggests sending the servants away on holidays to keep the meetings secret. Nesta reluctantly agrees. Alone with Nesta afterward, Feyre learns that Elain's betrothed seems kind and devoted, but his father—who built a high stone wall around their estate—appears motivated by both Elain's money and his crusade against the Fae. Nesta notes the father is elderly and likely to die soon. Feyre briefly mentions her High Lord kept her caged to protect her, which broke him, and hints she must settle things with him. The chapter ends with Nesta asking if Feyre would like them to meet her new companions.