Chapter 40

Feysand visits the Bone Carver in the Prison and negotiates for the Ouroboros mirror, which the Carver demands in exchange for his service. After securing a chicken bone as a consolation prize, they return to the townhouse where they find Elain baking with Nuala and Cerridwen. The chapter ends with Feyre's morning encounter with a brooding Nesta, who questions Feyre's decision to rush into battle.

Feyre and Rhysand descend into the Prison to meet with the Bone Carver, an ancient death-god wearing the form of a small boy. Feyre attempts to negotiate for a different object than the Ouroboros mirror, but the Carver refuses, insisting only the mirror will suffice. When Feyre hints at her fear of the mirror, the Carver probes further, and Rhys appears at the threshold. Feyre offers various alternatives, but the Carver remains adamant. When Feyre finally leaves without the bone, Rhys throws a chicken bone at the Carver in mockery. During their trek back through the Prison, Rhys asks what their hypothetical son would look like, and Feyre shares the image with him mentally. They return to the townhouse ravenous and encounter Elain in the kitchen with handmaidens Nuala and Cerridwen, baking bread together. Feyre is encouraged by Elain's engagement in the activity and her apparent enjoyment. She and Rhys retreat to bathe, sharing an intimate moment on the stairs before retiring to their bedroom. The next morning, Feyre encounters Nesta at breakfast, noting her sister's distant demeanor and apparent waiting for Cassian. Nesta questions why Feyre rushed into battle without hesitation. Feyre offers no detailed response and leaves for a flying lesson with Azriel.