Chapter Five

Nesta arrives at the House of Wind for her first training day with Cassian, who insists she eat a proper breakfast before they depart for Windhaven. After a heated confrontation about food and past intimacies, they travel to the Illyrian war camp, where Cassian introduces Nesta to training but she defiantly refuses to participate, choosing instead to sit on a rock and watch.

The chapter opens with Nesta and Cassian at breakfast in the House of Wind. Cassian attempts to force her to eat nutritious food rather than toast, explaining that sustained energy requires whole grains and lean proteins. Nesta resists his authority and makes cutting remarks about his intrusion into her life. Their banter becomes charged when Cassian references her father's death, prompting Nesta to reveal her grief and rage. She eventually eats to end the argument, and as she passes him afterward, Cassian grabs her arm. This physical contact triggers memories of their kiss during the final battle and his declaration of love as he lay dying—moments Nesta has obsessively revisited. She pulls away, warning him never to touch her again and mocking the idea that his training would lead to intimacy. Cassian responds with arrogance, claiming she will eventually come to his bed, which enrages her further. Nesta leaves to prepare, and the narrative shifts to Cassian's perspective, revealing his sexual frustration and his wounded hope that Nesta might reciprocate his feelings after she chose to die with him during the war. He recalls her rejection at Winter Solstice and his decision to stay away from her for nine months. Mor arrives to help transport them, and Cassian flies them to Windhaven. Upon arrival, the Illyrians watch silently as the pair emerge. Devlon, an Illyrian commander, confronts them with hostility toward Nesta, making crude jokes about witchcraft and insisting any weapons she touches must be buried. He also imposes menstrual restrictions on her, treating her with open contempt. Cassian defends her as the High Lady's sister but ultimately withdraws from escalating the conflict, instead walking toward an empty training ring. Nesta, determined to resist, sits on a rock near the weapons rack rather than join Cassian for training. When Cassian orders her to stand, she refuses, declaring she will not participate despite being physically present. The chapter ends with Cassian's disappointment evident on his face as he turns away from her to begin his solo exercises, leaving Nesta conflicted between relief at his withdrawal and an unspoken guilt at humiliating him before the other Illyrians.