Chapter 35

Hybern launches a surprise assault on the Summer Court's island-city of Adriata. Feyre and Mor winnow to the besieged palace to defend it while Rhys deploys the Illyrian legions against overwhelming enemy forces. They discover that High Fae nobles are barricading themselves in upper levels while lesser fae are trapped below without aid.

News reaches the Night Court that Hybern has attacked Tarquin's Summer Court. Amren receives a warning message from Prince Varian about the assault. Rhys determines the Summer Court's defenses are inadequate—Tarquin's fleet is scattered and his armies are far from Adriata. Rhys winnows Cassian to the Illyrian war camps to mobilize the legions, while Azriel goes ahead to scout. Feyre and Mor prepare for battle, arming themselves with weapons. Nesta and Elain remain in the Night Court town house under Amren's protection, with a small Illyrian legion guarding Velaris. When Rhys signals that forces have arrived, Mor winnows Feyre to a hilltop overlooking Adriata's half-moon bay. The sight overwhelms them: the waters run red, smoke rises from burning buildings and ships, and Illyrian warriors fill the sky. Tarquin's outnumbered fleet fights desperately with magic while Rhys's power appears nearly depleted, possibly due to faebane used by Hybern. Mor reveals this is not her first war but admits the reality of battle—the sounds, smells, and suffering—is worse than memory. Receiving orders through the bond, they learn soldiers have reached the palace's northern side. Mor winnows them into the palace's middle levels. The communal greeting hall, once bright and serene, now overlooks waters choked with enemy ships and blood. They discover that High Fae have barricaded themselves into upper residential levels while approximately fifty lesser fae are trapped below, climbing upward with no protection or aid.