Chapter 44

Feyre and Rhysand travel to the Hewn City, the mountain stronghold of the Night Court, where they come under attack by ash arrows. Once inside the dark metropolis, Feyre plays the role of Rhysand's consort to distract the court while Azriel steals a magical orb. During the performance, their physical attraction intensifies, but when Mor's father Keir insults Feyre, Rhysand brutally breaks his arms as punishment.

The chapter opens with Rhysand flying Feyre toward a snow-capped mountain range with Cassian and Azriel as escorts. During their flight, flirtatious banter about Illyrian wings turns serious when ash arrows—weapons designed to kill faeries—are fired at them. Rhysand orders Cassian to secure the borders and prepares Azriel to extract compromised spies, but Feyre insists on joining the ground search, claiming she can identify the arrows' origin. They find no tracks before the hour expires and they must depart for court. Feyre and Mor enter the Hewn City, a vast underground metropolis carved into the mountain, far grander and more terrible than Amarantha's court. Mor dresses Feyre in revealing black fabric and a diamond-studded diadem to play the role of Rhysand's consort. When Rhysand arrives at the throne room, he displays the full extent of his power as the most powerful High Lord, sitting Feyre on his lap and touching her intimately while addressing Keir, Mor's father and Steward of the court. Their performance serves as a distraction while Azriel steals the orb. As Rhysand and Feyre's physical contact intensifies, she becomes acutely aware of her desire for him, though she is haunted by memories of Tamlin. When Keir insults Feyre, calling her a whore, Rhysand's fury erupts. He uses his power to break Keir's arms in multiple places, forcing an apology while threatening further mutilation if the Steward seeks healing. The chapter ends with Feyre realizing she is alive and awakened by Rhysand's presence, despite the moral complexity of her situation.