Chapter Twenty-Five

Gwyn begins combat training with Cassian and Nesta at the House of Wind, showing natural aptitude despite her years isolated in the library. Later, Nesta visits Emerie's shop in Windhaven, where she confronts Bellius, a drunk relative trying to intimidate Emerie into selling her store, and invites Emerie to join their training sessions. Meanwhile, Cassian meets with Eris on the Illyrian Steppes to discuss the Dread Trove and the threat it poses if Beron discovers it.

The chapter opens with Gwyn's first combat lesson at the House of Wind. Despite initial nervousness about being outside for the first time in years, she quickly adapts to Cassian's instruction, showing natural grace and learning faster than Nesta did. Gwyn reveals she trained in mind-calming movements at her temple in Sangravah but wants combat training because she refuses to feel powerless again—a sentiment Nesta echoes. After the lesson, Cassian invites Nesta to accompany him to the Illyrian Mountains, ostensibly for fresh air. He leaves her in Windhaven while he meets with Eris. In Emerie's leather shop, Nesta encounters Bellius, a drunk Illyrian from the Ironcrest war-band whose father is pressuring Emerie to sell her store. Nesta intimidates and ejects him, earning Emerie's silent gratitude. Over lunch, Nesta and Emerie bond over their shared experiences with harsh fathers and loss. Emerie reveals her parents died when she was young and her father's family constantly tries to claim her inheritance. Nesta shares details about her father's merchant business and her family's hardships, though she withholds her deepest shames. Before leaving, Nesta extends an invitation for Emerie to join the combat training with Cassian, framing it as open to any female who has experienced hardship. Emerie declines, citing her business responsibilities and social concerns, though Nesta implies she's a coward for refusing. In a parallel scene on the Illyrian Steppes, Cassian meets Eris to discuss the Dread Trove. Eris reveals he knows nothing of it and suspects Briallyn is hiding her quest from Beron. They discuss the danger if Beron obtains the Trove, and Cassian warns Eris to keep the information secret. After Eris winnows away, Cassian is left unsettled by their exchange.