Chapter 34

Lucien departs Velaris with Rhys's help to head eastward toward the human continent, carrying weapons and supplies. Meanwhile, Amren returns from her night hunt through the city with urgent news: Hybern has launched an attack on the Summer Court and is laying siege to Adriata.

The chapter opens with Amren having completed her night hunt through Velaris, finding no additional Hybern assassins or spies. Feyre learns from Mor that citizens have been leaving offerings of lamb's blood on their thresholds and doorsteps as payment for Amren's protection. Rhys spent the previous day and night with the priestesses at the Night Court, helping them recover from the mental violation they suffered when Hybern's Ravens forced their way into their minds by posing as scholars. A peace has formed between Rhys and Mor over this shared work. Feyre notes that despite Nesta's continued refusal to join them for the upcoming High Lords meeting (now over a week away), they will manage without her. In the foyer, Feyre watches Lucien prepare to depart, dressed in Illyrian leathers and carrying an array of weapons provided by Cassian. Rhys will fly him to the edge of the human continent at a location Lucien has chosen, with Azriel having insisted Rhys go no further due to the danger. Before leaving, Lucien and Rhys shake hands, reconciling their past hostility. Lucien locks eyes with Elain on the stairs; she takes a half-step toward him as if to speak, but ultimately says nothing, and Lucien departs without looking back. After Rhys returns safely, Feyre learns that Nesta is making progress on her wall-building exercises with Amren's guidance. As Rhys teases about provoking Nesta, Amren suddenly storms through the front door, her eyes swirling with rage. She delivers urgent news: Hybern has attacked the Summer Court and is currently laying siege to Adriata.