Chapter 49

After learning that the wall between Prythian and the human realm has fallen and King Hybern is rallying his forces, the High Lords coordinate evacuation and military preparations. Feysand and their allies plan to move human refugees to Graysen's estate while Feyre makes a secret deal with Bryaxis, a creature imprisoned beneath the library, enlisting Amren's help to unlock additional bargains.

The High Lords gather at the town house in Velaris to respond to Nesta's warning that Hybern is awakening the Cauldron's power. Most lords promise military support and begin swift evacuations—Thesan offers faebane antidote and aerial support, Kallias and Helion commit ground forces, and Tarquin pledges safe harbor for the Spring Court. Tamlin departs without confirming support, leaving his armies in shambles. After brief farewells, Varian privately vows to thank Amren for her help. The group debates how to evacuate Nesta's household from the human lands. Elain surprises everyone by suggesting Graysen's estate, which has high stone walls, weapons forged from ash wood, escape tunnels, and supply stores. Despite Cassian's concerns about ash-wood weapons being ineffective against magic and the estate's hound defenses, Elain offers to glamour herself as human with Rhys's help and negotiate with Graysen to accept refugees and allow protective wards. Feyre and Nesta are reluctant but recognize the plan may be their best option. Elain insists they not kill Graysen if violence erupts. Before departure, Cassian gives Nesta one of his ash-wood daggers and trains her in combat tactics, emphasizing awareness and targeting vulnerable points. Feyre then finds Amren and reveals she made a bargain with Bryaxis, a creature imprisoned beneath the library, showing Amren the tattoo marking the bargain on her forearm. Feyre demands Amren examine the wards holding Bryaxis and help her negotiate another bargain, hinting at a larger strategic plan.