Chapter One

Nesta Archeron is forced into the Cauldron by the King of Hybern as punishment. As she sinks into its depths and transforms into an immortal, she fights back against the magical artifact with raw power and fury, determined to survive and make those responsible pay.

The chapter opens with Nesta being violently forced into the Cauldron by guards under the King of Hybern's command. She witnesses her sister Elain already transformed into a Fae on the stone floor, and sees Cassian broken and bleeding on the ground, still attempting to reach her. Knowing no rescue is coming, Nesta marks the King of Hybern with a death-promise before being submerged. In the water, she experiences the agonizing transformation into an immortal—her human blood boiling away, her bones forged into steel, as fire and power consume her body. Rather than succumb to the pain and darkness, Nesta turns violent against the Cauldron itself, tearing into it with talons and teeth, consuming its power and bending it to her will. She vows that those responsible will pay, starting with the Cauldron. The chapter ends with Nesta and the Cauldron locked in a struggle, burning through the darkness like a newborn star.