Chapter Twelve

Cassian changes the training location from Windhaven to the House of Wind to avoid Nesta's discomfort with being watched, then makes a Fae bargain with her to train for an hour. The training session focuses on foundational techniques—footwork, balance, breathing, and body awareness—rather than weapons, and ends with an emotional moment where both acknowledge they don't hate each other.

Nesta arrives at the training ring expecting to go to Windhaven but finds Cassian has changed plans because Mor has left, and Rhys and Feyre are busy. Cassian recognizes that Nesta refuses to train at the village out of pride and fear of looking foolish in front of the Illyrian warriors. To convince her to train, he proposes a Fae bargain: one hour of exercises in exchange for owing him a favor of her choosing. Nesta agrees after hesitation, and the bargain is sealed with magic, marking both their spines with an eight-pointed star tattoo. During the training, Cassian guides Nesta through basic exercises focused on toe grip, balance, and body awareness before moving to breathing techniques that help her channel power through her movements. Nesta discovers that controlled breathing makes her mind clearer and quieter. After the hour ends, she agrees to a second hour without requiring compensation. Before she leaves to change and go to the library, Cassian apologizes for saying "everyone hates you" the previous night and tells her they don't hate her. Nesta responds that she has never hated him, using his name and leaving him emotionally affected by the admission.