Chapter Thirty-Nine

Nesta completes the six thousandth step of the House's stairwell and resolves never to be afraid again. She joins Cassian and the priestesses for combat training in heavy rain, where Azriel arrives as a second tutor and Gwyn appears in Illyrian leathers. Later, Nesta and Gwyn attempt a meditation exercise from a copied chapter, which Nesta finds surprisingly effective at calming her mind.

After her encounter with the kelpie, Nesta is seized by restless energy and determination. She descends and then ascends the six thousandth step of the House's stairwell, repeating her resolve: never again will she allow herself to be afraid or meek. The next day, autumnal rains arrive but do not deter the priestesses from training. Cassian notes Nesta's fierce focus as she and the other females—now including three new priestesses—assemble in the rain. Roslin reveals her face for the first time. Cassian decides they need another tutor and brings Azriel to help train the priestesses while he focuses on Nesta, Emerie, and Gwyn. Gwyn wears Nesta's old Illyrian leathers and appears distracted by Azriel's presence, though she gives no sign of discomfort. Cassian teaches pressure-point techniques and shares a charged moment with Nesta when her fingers brush his neck. After training, Nesta and Gwyn warm themselves in the library and decide to attempt a meditation exercise from texts Gwyn has copied. Gwyn guides Nesta through breathing techniques, body awareness, and focused concentration while letting thoughts pass like waves. By the end, Nesta achieves a state of profound calm and feels settled in her own body for the first time in her life.