Chapter Forty

Cassian takes Nesta to a blacksmith's shop to learn blade-craftsmanship, where she discovers a natural aptitude for the work. Days later, during training in the rain, Nesta's punching releases an intense burst of silver fire that incinerates the wooden training block, revealing a dangerous power awakening within her.

Cassian brings Nesta to a blacksmith's shop on Velaris's western outskirts, convincing the gruff but skilled High Fae male to demonstrate blade-forging. Though initially hesitant, Nesta watches intently and asks to try hammering herself. She begins clumsily but quickly masters the technique, moving with increasing intensity and grace as she works through daggers and finally a great sword, earning the blacksmith's rare smile. That evening she thanks Cassian quietly but remains distant, lost in thought.

The next day, during training in continued rain, Nesta wraps her hands and approaches a padded wooden punching block with fierce focus. She punches relentlessly for over twenty-five minutes, channeling fear, rage, and hate into each strike. Lucien arrives to observe her progress at Feyre's suggestion. As Nesta delivers a final spectacular left hook followed by a right hook, silver fire erupts from her fist. The impact burns through the padding and deep into the wood, which then dissolves into smoldering cinders in the rain. Cassian and Lucien stand stunned, recognizing that a dangerous power has been awakened within her.