Chapter Seventy-Nine

Cassian visits Eris in the Hewn City two days after Nyx's birth to check on the Autumn Court male and learn what he revealed to his father, Beron. Eris confirms he survived torture by feeding Beron a mixture of truth and lies about his kidnapping by Briallyn, protecting the Night Court's involvement. The chapter culminates in Cassian's departure, leaving Eris with a parting remark about his potential for goodness masked by cowardice.

Cassian arrives at Eris's suite in the Hewn City, finding the male composed by a fire despite recent ordeal. After confirming that Rhysand already extracted what little Eris knew of Briallyn's plans, Cassian focuses on determining what Eris told his father, Beron. Eris reveals that Beron tortured him for information but accepted a fabricated story: that shadowsinger spies had warned of Briallyn kidnapping a valuable asset, and the Night Court was disappointed to find it was merely Eris rather than someone from other courts. Cassian recognizes that Eris endured his father's brutality without breaking. During their exchange, Cassian presses Eris about abandoning Mor in the woods years ago, questioning whether guilt now motivates his alliance with them. Eris deflects, claiming it is ancient history, and instead warns that Beron remains dangerous and may ally with Koschei despite losing Briallyn as an asset. He references Mor's current mission in Vallahan. Cassian, eager to return to Nesta and Velaris, departs with a final observation: he recognizes Eris as a decent male trapped in terrible circumstances, but calls him a coward for failing to act on his better nature.