Chapter Nineteen

Nesta and Cassian share an intense kiss in a hallway that escalates into passionate physical contact, during which Cassian loses control and climaxes. Nesta deflates his satisfaction with a cutting remark before leaving. The next morning, Cassian struggles with embarrassment and shame over what happened, while Azriel informs him that both he and Nesta are summoned to the river house for a meeting about Azriel's discoveries regarding Briallyn.

Nesta initiates a kiss with Cassian in a hallway, her eyes open as she watches his reaction. When she pulls away, Cassian surges forward, and they fall against a stone wall, kissing with escalating intensity and urgency. Their encounter becomes increasingly passionate and physical, with Cassian lifting Nesta and grinding against her as she touches him through his pants. Despite Nesta's frantic attempts to undress him, Cassian climaxes from her hand work, his wings tucking tight as he shudders. When he stills and realizes what has happened, he appears to regret it. Nesta, sensing his regret, coldly remarks "Someone's quick off the mark" and leaves before he can speak. The next morning at breakfast, Cassian avoids looking at Azriel, tormented by embarrassment over his loss of control and the fact that Nesta found satisfaction while he did not. He worries that Nesta's parting comment meant she found the encounter meaningless, though he felt her genuine need during it. Azriel arrives with news that both Cassian and Nesta are required at the river house for a meeting about Azriel's discoveries regarding Briallyn. When Cassian asks if the matter concerns Elain, Azriel reacts with concern, revealing he didn't know about a fight between Nesta and Elain. Azriel indicates the meeting is serious, though he refuses to elaborate further.