Chapter 39

After the battle at Adriata, Feysand recovers in the Illyrian camp amid heavy casualties. Rhysand and Feyre discuss the king's manipulations, the need to reveal their true identities to the other High Lords, and the hidden nature of Feyre's powers. They return to Velaris where tension erupts between Nesta and Mor over Cassian's absence.

The chapter opens with the Illyrian camp in the hills above Adriata tending to the wounded from the battle. Azriel reports that the Hybern fleet has retreated across the sea with no other forces present. Rhysand appears composed and victorious despite the toll on his soldiers, while Cassian moves among the injured offering comfort. Feyre collapses from exhaustion and wakes in Rhysand's tent three hours later to find him studying casualty lists. They discuss how the king used the library attack and this battle to taunt Rhysand, knowing about their connection. Feyre insists they will survive the war and expresses her love for him. She proposes removing their masks entirely—revealing Velaris and their true identities to the other High Lords to secure alliances, arguing that deception has failed them with Tarquin. Rhysand agrees to move the High Lords meeting forward to three days hence. They discuss keeping Feyre's stolen powers hidden while revealing the powers he gifted her. Rhysand mentions the missing Miryam and Drakon, whom he failed to establish contact protocols with centuries ago. Later, back in Velaris, Nesta confronts them in the foyer alongside Amren, asking about the battle and notably inquiring after Cassian by name. Mor responds sharply when Nesta asks where he is, and Rhysand intervenes with an icy command for Mor to arrange the High Lords meeting. Nesta remains unmoved and cold. Amren reassures Nesta that Cassian is likely visiting fallen soldiers' families. Feyre notices Amren wearing a ruby necklace hidden beneath her shirt—a gift from Varian. Feyre asks Rhysand to take her to the Prison immediately via their bond.