Chapter 56

The allied forces ambush Hybern's first army at the Summer Court border, achieving initial victory through superior tactics and positioning, but the battle exposes Hybern's true strength when a second army emerges from the north. As casualties mount and their lines falter, Feyre realizes she must seek out the Suriel to learn the location of Hybern's hidden main force.

Rhys cloaks the combined Illyrian, Darkbringer, and allied forces as they fly to intercept Hybern's advancing army at the Summer Court border. Using the high ground and careful positioning, Cassian, Rhys, and Azriel lead a coordinated assault that overwhelms Hybern's soldiers. Cassian performs brilliantly in single combat, earning comparisons to ancient Illyrian warrior-gods. Hybern's forces are trapped between the allies and Tarquin's army across a river, resulting in a slaughter. Tarquin uses his power to execute captured Hybern soldiers by drowning them on dry land. The camp relocates to the battlefield. That evening, Nesta tends to Cassian's injured wrist with unexpected gentleness, causing visible attraction between them before Mor interrupts. Feyre and Rhys share an intimate moment where she admits uncertainty about fighting in traditional line warfare. For five days the armies rest and prepare. Azriel then reports that Hybern has sent a second force northward toward the Winter Court border. Varian suggests creating a glamour of their camp while the armies march north under a sight shield. Feyre and Cresseida combine their magic to create the deception. They intercept Hybern's second army in a valley near a forest, but discover it was a feint—Hybern's forces were prepared for battle. The fighting turns brutal and muddy. Keir's front line breaks under cavalry assault, and Cassian throws himself into the center of the enemy forces despite Rhys's weakened state. As Hybern's soldiers overwhelm their position and casualties mount, Feyre realizes Hybern still has a hidden main army that even Azriel cannot locate. She resolves to seek the Suriel's aid to discover its location.