AFTERWORD

Chapter 47

Chapter 46

Overview

Feyre nearly kills Beron in a magical outburst after Eris reveals what Rhysand endured Under the Mountain, but Rhys restrains her. The revelation of Feyre's stolen power from the High Lords sparks conflict, but Nesta's passionate appeal for unity against Hybern persuades most of the High Lords to commit to the alliance despite their concerns.

Summary

During the High Lords' meeting, Eris's words about Rhysand's suffering trigger Feyre's rage, and she attempts to drown Beron in magical water. Rhysand stops her by appealing to their bond and declaring his love, revealing her power is the kernel of magic she stole from each High Lord when Made. The other High Lords realize how Feyre bypassed their wards. Beron insults Feyre and calls her human filth, prompting Rhysand to violently disintegrate Beron's chair and threaten him. Beron declares the meeting over, but Nesta rises and, speaking with steel-edged conviction, challenges all of them to fight Hybern—not for the High Lords themselves, but for the human families starving beneath the wall and the innocent lives at stake. She references the Cauldron's revelation that Hybern will butcher those on both sides of the wall. Though Nesta reveals nothing of her certainty, her words compel consideration. Beron and his family ultimately winnow away, with Eris departing conflicted. The meeting threatens to unravel as the High Lords express suspicion about Feyre's power, with Helion and Thesan particularly hostile. Feyre stands and asserts ownership of the powers, declaring she will use them against Hybern and to heal the injured. Her defiant stance wins over the wavering lords: Viviane, Cresseida, Tarquin, Kallias, and Helion all rise to commit to the alliance. Thesan and Tamlin remain standing but silent. Six of seven High Lords are secured.

Characters

  • FeyreNearly kills Beron in magical rage before being stopped by Rhysand; stands defiant against the High Lords' suspicions about her stolen power and declares her commitment to using it against Hybern
  • RhysandRestrains Feyre from killing Beron by appealing to their bond and declaring his love; shields against Beron's flames; violently threatens Beron when insulted; watches with pride as Feyre stands against the High Lords
  • BeronInsulted by Feyre; nearly drowned by her magic; strikes the Lady of Autumn with flame; declares the meeting over before being swayed by Nesta's words to reconsider; ultimately winnows away with his family
  • ErisMentions what Rhysand endured Under the Mountain, triggering Feyre's rage; his arm is singed by Feyre's magic; subtly directs his brothers to sit during Nesta's speech; winnows away conflicted about the outcome
  • Lucien's mother (Lady of Autumn)Struck by flame and burned during the conflict; shows no pain; is addressed by Feyre in apology; watches with impression as Nesta speaks
  • NestaRises to stop the meeting's dissolution; delivers a passionate speech about protecting innocents and those starving beneath the wall; reveals she entered the Cauldron and witnessed its visions; convinces most High Lords to commit to fighting Hybern
  • TamlinTells Helion the power issue is none of his business and belongs to their court; remains largely silent and unmoved throughout; stands at the end but offers no spoken commitment
  • HelionNotes the stolen power felt like a missing scale; compliments Rhysand and Feyre; sits back down; later tests Feyre with his power as if she were a parasite; eventually stands to join the alliance
  • TarquinRecognizes how Feyre breached the wards; argues the wards' loss is worth the debt to Feyre; rises to commit to fighting Hybern
  • KalliasQuestions whether mastering the ice made a difference; appears troubled by the alliance unraveling; eventually rises to commit
  • VivianeSets a hand on Kallias's arm; nods with chin high at Feyre's declaration and is first among the High Lords to stand and commit to fighting
  • CresseidaStands second among the female High Lords to commit to fighting Hybern
  • ThesanNotes the treaty did not demand they provide for humans beneath the wall; suggests killing Feyre as a solution, prompting Rhysand's anger; remains terse and reluctant; stands at the end but offers minimal commitment
  • CassianPresent with Feyre's company; rises to his feet during the conflict; appears to lack words for the moment's emotion
  • MorLevels a deadly look at Beron after he insults Feyre; remains with Feyre's group