Chapter 57

Feyre and Rhysand consummate their mating bond after Feyre confesses her love and acceptance of him as her mate. The chapter depicts their intimate connection both physically and emotionally, followed by a conversation about their future together and the approaching threat of the queens' return.

Feyre declares her love to Rhysand and accepts the mating bond, telling him that every piece of her broken but healing heart belongs to him and that she will face whatever comes together with him. They consummate their bond passionately in the cabin, first on a paint-covered table, then in bed where Rhysand spreads his wings for Feyre—something he has never done with another female. The magical mating bond glows visibly between them, and Feyre's body begins to emit a soft, glowing light. Afterward, they bathe together where Rhysand explains he fell in love with her when he realized she was one of them, unafraid and fierce. Feyre admits she began falling in love with him around Starfall but was afraid to acknowledge it. Rhysand reveals that the queens are returning in three days and they must leave tomorrow for her family's estate. That night they are consumed by a mating frenzy, barely sleeping as they repeatedly come together. At breakfast, Rhysand explains that the frenzy is normal for newly mated couples and rooted in their beast nature. When Feyre mentions she hasn't been taking pregnancy prevention tonic, Rhysand assures her that children should only happen if both want them, though he admits his terror at the thought of her being pregnant during the coming war. Feyre decides to resume taking the tonic, wanting to live and experience immortality with Rhysand first. The chapter ends with them making love once more in the bath.