Chapter 51

Feyre, Rhys, and their companions travel to an Illyrian war camp to strategize for the coming conflict, where they face prejudice from the Illyrian lords regarding the presence of Nesta. They then journey to the human lands to meet Graysen at his heavily fortified estate, where Elain—glamoured to appear human—requests sanctuary from him.

The group arrives at the Illyrian mountain camp in summer, where Rhys projects authority as High Lord despite his fine attire and lack of Illyrian leathers. The Illyrian lords, led by Lord Devlon, gather to receive orders about the impending southward push. When Devlon spots Nesta, he questions what she is, and though she claims to be High Fae, Devlon suspects otherwise and insists she be kept away from females and children. Cassian warns him not to concern himself with her. Inside the war tent, Mor explains the difference between fae and witches to Nesta's inquiry. Before departing for human lands, Mor glamours Elain to appear fully human, muting her fae features and immortal glow. The group then winnows to Graysen's heavily walled and fortified estate in the human realm, guarded by twelve armed soldiers. Despite the danger and the imposing fortress, Elain approaches the gates with her head high and requests sanctuary from her former betrothed, Graysen.