Chapter 28

Feyre is attacked by the Attor in the snowy woods near the chateau, but Rhysand intervenes and captures it. Under interrogation, the Attor reveals that the King of Hybern has ordered her capture, though its master doesn't know why. Azriel arrives and takes the creature away to send a message to Hybern. When Feyre discovers Rhysand used her as bait to identify the threat, she erupts in rage, and the two engage in a volatile physical confrontation that escalates into Feyre discovering she can winnow—a power she uses to tackle Rhysand in the snow.

Feyre is seized by the Attor in the snowy woods near the chateau while alone. Rhysand appears and restrains the creature with bands of night, pinning it to an oak tree with spears of darkness through its wings. Under Rhys's casual but terrifying interrogation, the Attor reveals it was sent by the King of Hybern to capture Feyre, though it claims ignorance of the king's motives. It also discloses that Hybern is assembling an endless army with allies in every territory. Azriel arrives silently, and Rhysand tells the Attor he will kill without hesitation if it tries to take her again. Azriel uses his Siphons to winnow the creature away, intending to use it as a messenger to Hybern. Rhysand then reveals to Feyre that he deliberately used her as bait to identify who was hunting her, claiming she was safe the entire time. Enraged by this manipulation and his accusation that she has forgotten her own strength and abilities, Feyre lashes out physically at him. Their confrontation becomes increasingly volatile as Rhysand evades her attacks by winnowing. During the chase, Feyre experiences a breakthrough: she discovers she can winnow herself, folding into darkness and shadow to track Rhysand across the clearing. She successfully winnows in front of him and tackles him into the snow, both of them seemingly exhilarated by this revelation.