Chapter Three

Cassian meets with Rhysand in his study, where he learns he's being promoted to handle new responsibilities including investigating scheming human queens and training Nesta. He's then sent to escort Nesta to the House of Wind, where she will be staying and beginning her training regimen at Windhaven.

Cassian arrives at Rhysand's study, where Rhys reveals that Cassian's recent work stabilizing the Illyians was a test for greater responsibilities. Rhys expresses fear of Nesta's dormant power—triggered by the Bone Carver's cryptic warnings from the war—and assigns Cassian to both train her and investigate human queens suspected of scheming. Cassian accepts reluctantly, joking about becoming a courtier. He then retrieves Nesta from the entry hall, where Feyre and the recently returned Mor await. The three of them depart for the House of Wind via Mor's winnowing magic. Once airborne, Cassian catches Nesta mid-drop with his wings and flies her to the veranda. On the stone platform overlooking Velaris, Cassian informs Nesta of her accommodations and training schedule—two hours at Windhaven after breakfast, then meetings with Clotho at the library. Nesta remains mostly silent and withdrawn, refusing food. Cassian escorts her to her bedroom, a level above his own, but she provides little response beyond sharp words. Once alone, Nesta shuts the curtains against the daylight, overwhelmed by despair, and retreats to bed.