Chapter 18

The group discusses the need to seek military support from the Court of Nightmares and its steward Keir, revealing tensions around Mor's complicated relationship with her father. Feyre announces her intention to learn to fly and fight in the upcoming war, while Nesta agrees to help repair the wall in exchange for a promise that Hybern's king and queens will be killed. Later, Feyre and Rhys walk through Velaris to reconcile after earlier tension and discuss strategy regarding which courts and allies to trust.

During dinner at the House of Wind, Rhys reveals the group must travel to the Court of Nightmares to request military aid from Keir, Mor's father and steward of the Hewn City. The arrangement dates back thousands of years and legally allows Keir to refuse assistance in war. Mor reacts with distress, revealing that the Darkbringer legion refused to fight in two previous wars, though Keir himself did participate. Tension rises when Azriel declines to take Mor's side, hurting her. Feyre then announces she wants to learn to fly and fight using her shape-shifting ability to manifest Illyrian wings, shocking everyone. Cassian expresses doubt about the feasibility given the timeframe, but Azriel volunteers to teach her, acknowledging his own painful history of being denied flight by his abusive father. Feyre approaches Nesta about using her connection to the Cauldron to help repair the wall that Hybern seeks to destroy. When Nesta refuses to testify about her trauma before the High Lords, Feyre pushes back, causing Nesta to threaten violence and storm out. Amren suggests taking Nesta to the Court of Nightmares to practice with objects of power. Later, Feyre and Rhys walk through Velaris alone, discussing the day's events. Feyre acknowledges her mistake in publicly asking Nesta to testify and apologizes for snapping at Rhys earlier. They establish that while they will present a unified front to the world, they can question and challenge each other privately and within their inner circle. Feyre warns Rhys about potentially wounding Mor through his dealings with Keir. They discuss the upcoming meeting with the High Lords, the uncertain allegiances of various courts, and the strategic risk Lucien poses—noting he currently remains cooperative because they hold Elain. Rhys reaffirms his commitment to their future together despite the war, and they end their walk by crossing the Sidra toward the Rainbow, the artists' quarter of the city.