Chapter Twenty-Eight

Nesta, Cassian, and Gwyn train Emerie, a Illyrian female with clipped wings, in combat techniques. Rhysand arrives to collect Emerie after an hour, and a tense interaction between him and Nesta unfolds, with Cassian defending Nesta's character to Rhys. The training session reveals growing friendships among the three females, particularly bonding over romance novels.

The chapter opens with Cassian instructing Emerie on balance training, explaining how clipped wings affect body compensation. Emerie reveals that her own father clipped her wings—sloppily, after she fought him—damaging both wings severely. Cassian's rage is evident at this revelation. When Cassian offers to bring Madja, the court healer, Nesta interrupts to refocus the group on punching drills. Gwyn skillfully draws Emerie out of her discomfort by asking about books, and the conversation shifts to romance novels. Emerie becomes animated discussing Sellyn Drake's romance books and offers to lend copies to both Nesta and Gwyn, who accepts with some hesitation. Rhysand arrives precisely one hour later to retrieve Emerie. His easy charm causes Gwyn to blush and become flustered. When Rhys and Nesta exchange greetings, Cassian puts an arm around Nesta's shoulders, which causes Rhysand's expression to cool. Rhys sends a mental message to Nesta, warning her to treat Gwyn with kindness and respect. Nesta bristles and mentally shuts him out. After Gwyn leaves to get water, Nesta asks Emerie if she'll return tomorrow. Emerie explains that the tea and spices Cassian delivered reminded her there is a world beyond Windhaven and that the lessons are helping her overcome her fear. Cassian and Rhysand communicate telepathically; Cassian defends Nesta's character and recent kindness to both Gwyn and Emerie, telling Rhysand to stop interfering. Rhysand apologizes and agrees to let Nesta build these bonds. The females approach, Rhysand gathers Emerie to him carefully, and they depart. As Rhysand flies toward Windhaven to winnow home, he jokes to Cassian that the House reeks of sex, and Cassian quips about politeness.