Chapter 30

Feyre learns the fate of the Attor through Rhys's shared memory: Azriel broke it under interrogation in the Court of Nightmares, revealing that a small enemy force infiltrated the North seeking Feyre, and confirming Hybern's military buildup. Afterward, Feyre writes a letter to Tamlin claiming she left of her own free will and won't return, then decides to explore Velaris at night with Rhys and the group rather than retreat into isolation.

Feyre's sisters depart after mailing their letter, and Rhys returns to Velaris. When he finds Feyre resting, she demands to know what happened to the Attor. Rhys allows her into his mind to witness the interrogation in the Hewn City's Court of Nightmares, where Azriel extracted the truth: the Attor was sent by the mortal king on orders from Hybern to capture Feyre, and a small enemy force was stationed near Illyrian territory two days prior. The Attor revealed details of Hybern's vast military preparations and fleet. After confirming the creature's usefulness was exhausted, Rhys ordered it crippled and cast toward Hybern's coast. Feyre emerges from the memory shaken but resolved. Rhys mentions Tamlin has sealed the Spring Court's borders and suggests sending Feyre's letter might help neutralize any threat from that direction. Feyre writes a brief but difficult letter to Tamlin claiming she left willingly and won't return, and Rhys delivers it immediately. When Rhys expresses surprise at her certainty, Feyre declares she is no one's pet and expresses a desire to see Velaris and experience life rather than sleep away her days. This leads to plans for dinner and an evening out. Before dinner, Amren visits Feyre's room and reveals that Nuala and Cerridwen are wraiths—half-High Fae shadowlings trained by Azriel—and that Azriel keeps them watching Amren despite Rhys's objections, which Amren accepts as reasonable precaution. Amren also clarifies that Rhys's court operates on principles of loyalty and cunning rather than brutal obedience, and that there is no harsh Tithe in the Night Court unlike Tamlin's Spring Court. She further reveals the amulet she gave Feyre was a test and contained no actual magic, meant to bolster Feyre's confidence.