Chapter Forty-Four

Cassian conducts sword training with Nesta, Gwyn, and Emerie, and reveals his past connection to the Valkyries from the Battle of Meinir Pass where most were killed. Later, at dinner with the Night Court leadership, Cassian learns from Elain about Nesta's childhood mastery of dance and how she was trained to weaponize her artistic talent for social advancement, reflecting on how the Valkyrie training might provide her with purpose beyond combat.

During training at the House of Wind, Cassian notices the breathing techniques Gwyn, Nesta, and Emerie have been practicing—Mind-Stilling—and reveals he fought alongside the Valkyries in five battles before the catastrophic Battle of Meinir Pass, where most of them died. He had friends who fell that day, including a female named Tanwyn. When asked why he didn't mention this upon seeing Gwyn's research on his desk, he deflects. When Nesta suggests combining Illyrian and Valkyrie fighting techniques, something shifts in the air, and both Azriel and Cassian react as though she has spoken a profound truth. Cassian agrees to learn Valkyrie methods from Gwyn's materials. Later, at the River House, Cassian informs the Night Court of Nesta's interest in becoming a Valkyrie-like warrior. During dinner conversation, Elain reveals Nesta's hidden past as a consummate dancer trained from childhood by their mother as a weapon for social climbing. She recounts how at fourteen, Nesta danced so beautifully at a ball that a continental duke proposed marriage, though Nesta had merely sought revenge against a cruel heiress. Elain notes their mother twisted Nesta's creative gifts into tools for ambition. Cassian reflects that while the Valkyrie training will channel Nesta's rage, she needs joy and music to truly thrive.