Chapter 42

Nesta agrees to serve as Rhys's emissary to the human realm and joins the delegation to the Dawn Court, while the group travels to Thesan's palace. Upon arrival, they ascend a spiraling tower and prepare to meet with other High Lords already assembled—Helion, Kallias, and Thesan—though Beron, Tarquin, and Tamlin have not yet appeared.

The chapter opens with Nesta declaring her intention to help despite her incomplete training, stating she does not want to be remembered as a coward and that no one will fight to save the humans beneath the wall unless she does. Feyre acknowledges Nesta's sacrifice, but Rhys offers her a formal position as his emissary to the human world, replacing Feyre now that she is High Lady. Nesta accepts with characteristic coldness. The group exchanges bets about how quickly fights will break out among the High Lords, with Rhys joining in. As they prepare to winnow to the Dawn Court, there is a charged moment between Cassian and Nesta—he approaches her as they are about to leave, and though she begins to ask something accusatory about his absence, Cassian takes her hand and holds her gaze with intensity before instructing Mor to transport them. Rhys winnows Feyre directly to the Dawn Court, where they arrive on a veranda overlooking the palace—a structure of sunstone set high in the clouds with breathtaking vistas below. The attendant guides them up a spiral staircase along the bare tower face, offering views of the countryside far below. Feyre notices awe on Nesta's face as she takes in the beauty of the world. Rhys playfully teases Feyre about the grandeur of the palace through their bond, and she responds with affection. As they reach the top, Rhys warns her that three High Lords are already present: Helion, Kallias, and Thesan. Beron and Tarquin have not yet arrived, and Tamlin's attendance is doubtful. Feyre and Rhys cross a bridge into the chamber with shields raised, ready to face the assembled High Lords.