Nesta announces that she will attend the meeting of High Lords because she does not want to be remembered as a coward. Although Feyre urges Nesta to remain behind and continue training with Amren, Nesta insists that the delay will not matter and argues that someone must speak for the humans below the wall, since no one else seems willing to fight for them. In response, Rhysand formally offers Nesta a trial role as the Night Court’s emissary to the human world, and Nesta accepts with dry, guarded confidence.

The Inner Circle uses humor to blunt the tension before departure. Rhysand, Cassian, Mor, and Azriel joke about how quickly a fight will break out at the summit despite its neutral wards, revealing how volatile they expect the gathering to be. Azriel winnows ahead to scout for danger, reports the way clear, and the group prepares to travel to the Dawn Court.

As they begin to winnow, the emotional focus shifts sharply to Nesta and Cassian. Cassian confronts her with a rough greeting, and Nesta answers with equal hostility, asking if he is alive and starting to say that he did not come to see her before stopping herself. That unfinished accusation freezes Cassian, who seems to understand its deeper meaning. He then takes Nesta’s hand and brings Mor along for transport, ending the moment with a promise that next time he will come say hello, making their unresolved bond impossible to ignore.

Feyre arrives at the Dawn Court and is struck by its beauty: a shining palace high among the clouds, filled with warm light, flowers, bridges, and open air. As the group climbs toward the meeting chamber, Feyre notices Nesta's awe at this new world and reflects on how overwhelming such beauty can be. Rhysand and Feyre exchange private, affectionate thoughts through the bond, but both remain alert; Rhys confirms that Helion, Kallias, and Thesan are already present, and Feyre keeps her shields raised as they enter the summit together, prepared for both political danger and personal conflict.