Chapter 27

Tamlin orders Feyre to leave the Spring Court at dawn to protect her from Amarantha and the supernatural threats closing in on Prythian. After a passionate night together, Feyre falls asleep uncertain whether Tamlin confessed his love or if it was a dream.

Feyre remains in her room, haunted by Tamlin's violent rage and the revelations from Rhysand about Amarantha, the blight, and the threat posed by creatures like the Attor. When Tamlin enters her bedroom, he apologizes for his outburst and explains that he is taking on her life-debt regarding Andras's death to nullify the Treaty's claims on her. He insists on sending her home despite her protests, revealing that Amarantha and her agents pose too great a danger—she would use Feyre against him. Tamlin admits he cannot protect himself, let alone her, against the forces arrayed against them. Feyre argues she can help and fight alongside him, but Tamlin refuses and orders her departure at dawn. The two spend an intimate night together, making love twice with increasing passion and tenderness. In the early morning hours, as Feyre drifts toward sleep in his arms, she believes she hears Tamlin whisper that he loves her, though she questions whether it was real or a dream. When she wakes, he is gone.