Chapter 43

The High Lords gather in Thesan's sunlit chamber for a war council. Rhysand and Feyre arrive to find Thesan, Kallias and Viviane, and Helion already assembled, followed by Tarquin, and then Beron with his sons including Eris. Tamlin arrives dramatically at the chapter's end, his sudden appearance creating tension as the meeting prepares to address the invading armies.

The chapter opens with Feyre and Rhysand entering a circular chamber in Thesan's residence designed to host all the High Lords. The room features a reflection pool with water lilies and fish at its center, surrounded by cushioned chairs, some shaped to accommodate wings. Rhysand's newly revealed wings draw attention from the assembled High Lords. Thesan greets them warmly, followed by the arrival of Kallias, whose wife Viviane is reunited joyfully with Mor—they had been close friends before Under the Mountain. Viviane and Kallias recently became both mates and married after his return from captivity. Helion, the High Lord of Day, arrives next and immediately questions whether Tamlin knows Feyre is Rhysand's mate and a High Lady. When Helion notices Nesta among their group, he demands to know who Made her. Feyre reveals that Hybern threw Nesta and Elain into the Cauldron, and that Tamlin and the High Priestess Ianthe betrayed Prythian by selling them to Hybern. The other High Lords arrive as attendants serve food and drinks. Tarquin arrives with Varian and Cresseida, visibly tense about Cassian's presence after he damaged the Summer Court. Then Beron and his sons enter, with his wife searching the room—apparently looking for Lucien, who is absent. Eris silently commands his younger brothers to behave and exchanges hostile glances with Cassian. Eris also regards Mor with disdain, triggering discomfort among those aware of past wrongs. With all seats now filled except one, Thesan begins the meeting by asking Rhysand to explain the urgency of the gathering. Before Rhysand can fully respond, Tamlin winnows dramatically into the chamber itself, appearing like a predatory wolf.