Chapter 26

Rhysand reveals that Eris, heir of the Autumn Court, has been brought to negotiate an alliance with Keir. Through a tense negotiation, Keir agrees to support the war effort in exchange for limited access to Velaris for his court. Feyre requests the Ouroboros mirror from Keir, learning it is a dangerous artifact that has driven others mad.

The chapter opens with Eris arriving at the meeting in the Night Court, shocking Mor and Feyre. Rhysand explains that Eris is offering a formal alliance with the Autumn Court in exchange for Keir's military support in the war against Hybern. When Keir demands more than the initial offer, he reveals that Hybern disclosed the location of Velaris, the hidden city of starlight. Keir's true price is access to Velaris for himself and his court, a demand that appalls Mor and Feyre. Despite Mor's opposition, Rhysand negotiates limited terms: restricted stays and numbers to be decided later. Feyre then requests the Ouroboros mirror from Keir, a legendary artifact that drives those who attempt to claim it mad or breaks them beyond repair. Keir agrees, calling it a mating present, and leaves to attend to Lord Thanatos's daughter. Azriel confronts Eris about his knowledge of Feyre's daemati powers, and Eris reveals that Azriel had visited him the previous day seeking to erase his memory. Eris agrees to keep Feyre's secret in exchange for support of his bid to take the Autumn Court throne from his father. Eris then makes cryptic references to his past with Mor—revealing he ended their betrothal to give her freedom when she sought comfort elsewhere, though he regrets something about the aftermath. Mor demands he leave, and Eris departs, mentioning a meeting in twelve days.