A Court of Wings and Ruin
by Sarah J. Maas
Contents
Chapter Sixty-Four
Overview
After Elain is taken, Feyre and Azriel commit to an immediate rescue despite Nesta’s belief that Hybern’s army is nearly impossible to infiltrate. Feyre adopts Ianthe’s form and, with Azriel’s help, prepares a covert mission built on deception rather than force.
Rhys accepts the risk, gives Feyre and Azriel their orders, and sends them toward Hybern’s warded encampment. The chapter shifts the story from shock and loss to a dangerous counterstrike, with Feyre stepping directly into enemy territory to reclaim Elain.
Summary
In the aftermath of Elain’s abduction, Nesta sits devastated in Feyre’s tent, convinced that no one can penetrate the heart of Hybern’s vast army to retrieve her sister. Cassian tries to reassure Nesta, but Nesta insists the danger is too great, especially after seeing the army through her scrying. Azriel then declares that he will get Elain back, and Feyre immediately decides to go with him.
To solve the problem of entering the camp, Feyre shapeshifts into Ianthe’s exact appearance, betting that Hybern’s forces will admit the High Priestess without suspicion. Nesta warns that Elain may already be dead, but Feyre presses on. Feyre asks Azriel for one of his blue Siphons, then takes it and silver candlesticks to the camp blacksmith so he can forge a circlet to match Ianthe’s headdress. While the blacksmith works, Azriel secures priestess robes to complete the disguise.
When Rhys returns, he confirms that the other High Lords have offered no solution. He warns Feyre that the enemy camp is warded against winnowing, so Feyre and Azriel will have to walk in and walk out before they can escape. Feyre’s fear surfaces, but Rhys steadies her, reminding her that Ianthe betrayed her sisters and that using Ianthe’s identity to save Elain is fitting revenge. He urges Feyre not to get distracted or overreach, framing the mission as a precise strike rather than a battle.
Feyre arms herself beneath the priestess robes with hidden weapons, assisted by Rhys and Cassian. Because an Illyrian blade cannot be concealed properly, Cassian gives Feyre an extra dagger instead. Rhys then gives Azriel a direct order: both Feyre and Elain must come back alive, no matter how many enemies Azriel must kill. Azriel formally swears to do it.
As Mor arrives and realizes what they are about to attempt, Feyre and Azriel vanish before anyone can stop them. Azriel winnows them close to Hybern’s encampment, placing them inside the concealment wards thanks to Nesta’s knowledge. From a forested hill, Feyre sees the enormous army spread beneath the night sky, full of fires, beasts, and soldiers. Azriel melts into shadow, and Feyre, disguised as Ianthe, walks down the hill alone toward the heart of Hybern’s camp to begin the rescue.
Who Appears
- FeyreDecides to rescue Elain, disguises herself as Ianthe, arms herself, and enters Hybern’s camp.
- AzrielInsists on retrieving Elain, provides a Siphon, and escorts Feyre to Hybern’s camp.
- NestaShattered by Elain’s abduction; warns that Hybern’s army is too dangerous to penetrate.
- RhysSupports the rescue plan, warns Feyre about the wards, and orders Azriel to bring both sisters back.
- ElainRecently abducted by the Cauldron and held somewhere within Hybern’s army.
- CassianDoubts the mission’s chances but helps prepare Feyre with concealed weapons.
- MorReturns just as Feyre and Azriel depart, reacting with shock and fear.
- IantheAbsent physically, but Feyre uses her face, robes, and status as cover to infiltrate Hybern.