Chapter 45

After the confrontation with Keir, Rhysand and Feyre retreat to a moonlit mountain lake where tensions erupt between them. Rhysand fears he has become like Tamlin in his protective rage, while Feyre accuses him of hiding behind masks. They argue about destiny, choice, and vulnerability before winnowing home. The next morning, Rhysand disappears to hunt those who attacked Feyre, leaving her to wait in the garden and eventually realize she wants to pursue something real with him—but he doesn't return.

After winnowing away from the Night Court, Rhysand and Feyre arrive at a secluded mountain lake. Rhysand apologizes for letting Keir threaten and insult her, his hands shaking with residual fury. Feyre insists she made her choices willingly but asks him not to become overprotective like Tamlin. Rhysand spirals into fears about being cast as the villain in their story—the dark lord who steals the spring bride—while Feyre confronts him about the masks he wears, particularly with his friends. Their argument escalates until Feyre strikes deep by suggesting Rhysand fears vulnerability and that no one would want to deal with his mess. Rhysand flinches visibly. Feyre then asks to go home, and they winnow to Velaris in tense silence.

Back at the town house, Feyre excuses herself to the garden, realizing she has been using Rhysand as a distraction and that her jealousy of Cresseida revealed her true feelings. She decides to tell him she wants something real with him—not pretense or distraction—but he never comes. The next morning, Rhysand is gone. Amren reveals he has left to hunt whoever attacked Feyre yesterday, noting that their enemies can track his magic. Amren also informs Feyre that Starfall celebrations begin that evening and that in two days they will be stationed at an Illyrian war-camp before moving to the human lands once the queens contact them. Amren cryptically praises Rhysand's dreams of peace and unity, suggesting he is not the villain he fears being. Feyre writes multiple letters to Rhysand throughout the day—first joking about leaving doors unlocked, then asking about training, finally accusing him of punishment and cowardice. The third letter vanishes, suggesting he read it, but he sends no reply. As Starfall approaches and Nuala and Cerridwen arrive to dress her, Feyre continues waiting for his response, which never comes.