Chapter 48

Feyre dines with Cassian, Mor, and Rhys in an Illyrian training house before heading upstairs, where she experiences tension with Rhys. The next day, Feyre and Rhys travel into the forest steppes to practice her fire magic in secret, but she is suddenly surrounded by Spring Court sentinels, including Lucien.

After a training day in the Illyrian Mountains, Feyre joins Cassian, Mor, and Rhys for dinner in a stone house. Cassian reports that the female warriors they are training have been neglecting lessons due to chores, though three show natural fighting instinct. Mor mentions she will return to the Hewn City the next day. Upstairs, Feyre and Rhys share a charged moment outside their rooms; Feyre feels drawn to him but retreats into her assigned room, conflicted about the nature of their relationship. The next morning, Mor has already departed and Cassian is irritable. Feyre and Rhys fly deep into a mountainous forest to practice her newfound fire magic away from witnesses. Along the way, they communicate through their mental bond, and Rhys trails behind carrying supplies while Feyre scouts ahead. At a stream in an open area she considers suitable for practicing, Feyre is suddenly surrounded by four armed figures emerging from the trees: two Spring Court sentinels named Bron and Hart, and Lucien, whom she recognizes. She immediately draws her bow, prepared to fight.