Chapter 4

At the Summer Solstice celebration, Feyre executes a carefully orchestrated plan with Ianthe's help, positioning herself to receive the sun's blessing instead of the priestess and revealing her power to the gathered crowd. The display establishes her as blessed and holy before the High Fae and lesser faeries, while she maintains her cover as a devoted, demure presence at Tamlin's side.

The Summer Solstice ceremony begins before dawn in the foothills surrounding the estate. Feyre arrives dressed in white and hawthorn blossoms, carefully presenting an image of serene purity while inwardly assessing the gathered crowd and the threat posed by the visiting Hybern royals. Ianthe leads elaborate prayers and rituals, with Feyre having orchestrated the ceremony in advance. Feyre has subtly moved the marker stone indicating where the sun's light will fall, ensuring that when the sun rises, its power flows to her instead of Ianthe. As the sun crests the horizon, Feyre releases the magic she unleashed in Hybern, glowing with incandescent light while appearing surprised and accepting of what she frames as the Cauldron's blessing. Lucien kneels before her in fealty, and others follow, recognizing her as the Cursebreaker—blessed and holy against evil. Ianthe attempts to regain control by claiming the Cauldron blessed her chosen friend, but few believe her. Throughout the day's festivities, Feyre receives the reverence of the people while maintaining her facade of shy deference to Tamlin. She briefly communicates with Rhysand through their bond, confirming everyone in the Night Court is safe and promising to return soon. In the evening, she dances with Tamlin, who seems both relieved and troubled by her display of power. She deliberately keeps him uncertain while enduring his touch, aware that Hybern's arrival will soon end all celebration in these lands.