Chapter Fourteen

Cassian continues Nesta's physical training despite her severe soreness, pushing her through stretches and exercises while their dynamic becomes warmer. Meanwhile, Cassian meets with Rhysand and Eris in the Spring Court, where Eris reveals his father Beron's plan to start a war between the Fae courts to claim vacant territory, and hints at dark secrets regarding Mor's past. Later, Nesta descends the mysterious staircase in the House and is rewarded with comfort by the sentient structure.

Cassian waits anxiously at the training ring, relieved when Nesta arrives despite severe muscle soreness from the previous day's work. He guides her through two hours of stretching and exercise, with the pain gradually subsiding. During their session, Nesta reveals she took dancing lessons as a girl before her family became poor, and that her mother was cruel. She deflects from personal conversation by asking Cassian about the priestesses of Sangravah. He explains that Hybern's forces two years ago slaughtered and assaulted the priestesses while searching for a piece of the Cauldron, and that Gwyn—whom Nesta met in the library—is a survivor. Cassian is then summoned to the Spring Court where he meets Rhysand and Eris in Tamlin's orchard. Eris proposes they simply kill the human queens to derail his father's plans, but Rhysand and Cassian reject this as too dangerous. Eris then reveals Beron's true goal: to trigger a war between the Fae courts that would weaken them all, leaving at least one court's territory ripe for conquest. Eris claims he can delay his father for a few months and urges them to investigate Briallyn and Koschei. When Cassian accuses Eris of abandoning Mor to die at the border, Eris cryptically suggests Mor knows the truth and may have been protected rather than left to perish. After Eris winnows away, Rhysand becomes withdrawn and distant. That evening, Nesta descends the mysterious staircase in the House, making it to step one hundred fifty before climbing back up. The House rewards her with dinner, a suggestive book, a luxurious bath infused with rosemary and lavender oils, and chocolate cake, treating her with care that moves Nesta to call it her only friend.