Chapter Twenty-Two

Cassian visits Nesta's bedchamber at night to settle what he views as an unfinished debt from their previous encounter. The two engage in an intense sexual encounter, with Cassian focusing entirely on pleasuring Nesta before abruptly leaving, declaring them even.

Cassian and Azriel discuss Nesta's quest to find the Dread Trove while relaxing by the fire in their shared sitting room. Cassian expresses confidence that Nesta will attempt scrying on her own terms rather than being forced. The two also celebrate the news that Rhys and Feyre are expecting a son. Cassian becomes visibly distracted, thinking about his unresolved encounter with Nesta from earlier. After Azriel asks if Cassian wants children, Cassian excuses himself, determined to even the playing field with Nesta. He enters Nesta's bedchamber where she is reading in bed. Cassian, initially restrained against the door, tells her he owes her a debt for their previous incomplete encounter. Despite Nesta's attempts to deflect with comments about male pride and her suggestion this would be a mistake, Cassian makes his intentions clear. They agree that what happens between them will remain separate from training and everything else—purely sexual. Cassian then proceeds to undress and engage with Nesta intimately, focusing entirely on her pleasure through extended foreplay and oral sex until she experiences a powerful climax. Afterward, Cassian abruptly dresses and leaves, stating they are now even, leaving Nesta in a state of satisfied confusion.