Chapter 28

Feyre says goodbye to Tamlin and is sent back to the mortal realm in a glamoured carriage, arriving at a grand chateau where her family now lives in newfound wealth. She struggles with leaving Tamlin despite his promises of love, haunted by the Suriel's warning to stay with the High Lord and plagued by doubts about whether she made the right choice.

Alis dresses Feyre in elaborate mortal clothing—pale pink silk with white linen jacket and ivory hat—for her departure. Lucien protests Tamlin's decision to send her away so quickly, arguing she needs more time, but Tamlin refuses to debate it. Feyre and Tamlin share an emotional farewell at the gilded carriage; he tells her he loves her and promises to see her again, but Feyre cannot bring herself to say the words back, fearing she would become a burden to an immortal who will outlive her mortality. Magic pulls her into sleep as the carriage enters the woods. She awakens to find herself at an unfamiliar white marble chateau with emerald roofs, where human servants greet her. Her sisters Nesta and Elain emerge from the house, initially not recognizing her in her fine clothes. Feyre learns that Tamlin has ensured her family's prosperity by having a glamoured stranger invest money with her father, turning their lost ships and profits to their advantage. Elain excitedly shows Feyre the grand house while Nesta watches silently. As the carriage departs back toward Tamlin, Feyre is gripped by the certainty that she made a terrible mistake leaving, despite Tamlin's assurances of safety. The Suriel's command—'Stay with the High Lord'—echoes in her mind, unshakeable.