Back in the town house in Velaris, Rhys explains that Nesta sensed the Wall’s fall because her stolen power is tied to the Cauldron itself. That connection makes her valuable to the King of Hybern as both a target and a warning bell. Feyre reflects on the hurried departure from the Dawn Court: Thesan, Kallias, Helion, and Tarquin promised troops or aid, Tamlin left without committing clearly, and Beron sent no help at all. As the family sits down to eat, Feyre is consumed by guilt that they did not test Nesta against the Wall sooner.

The conversation turns to the danger facing the human lands, especially Nesta and Elain’s former estate. Rhys offers to evacuate the household, but Nesta points out that the servants and tenants will not abandon their families. Elain then proposes taking refugees to Graysen’s father’s estate, which has stone defenses, supplies, ash weapons, and escape tunnels. Cassian objects that ash and trained hounds make the place dangerous for Fae visitors, but Elain insists she can persuade Graysen to open his gates if Rhys glamours her to look human and the others come only to help secure the estate with wards.

Feyre and Nesta both try to stop Elain, but Elain remains calm and resolute. Elain says Graysen does not know Feyre and hates Nesta, making Elain the only workable choice. When Feyre warns that she will defend Elain if Graysen turns hostile, Elain makes one demand: Feyre must try not to kill him. After Mor reminds Cassian that the Illyrian legions must move immediately, Rhys decides they will first go to the Illyrian camp and then head to the human lands. Once the others leave to prepare, Feyre tells a guilt-stricken Nesta that the Wall’s fall was not her fault and gives her a new purpose: staying near the army so she can warn them if Hybern uses the Cauldron again.

Cassian then stops Nesta and sees how shaken she is. When Nesta admits she has never worn pants, Cassian drops his usual sparring tone and gives her one of his knives. Because ash can now wound or weaken her, Cassian bluntly teaches Nesta how to track exits, assess threats, remember allies’ positions, and strike vulnerable points if humans attack her. Nesta silently accepts the dagger and the lesson, and Cassian leaves after masking his concern with swagger.

Feyre goes to Amren, who is still furiously working with the Book. While speaking to Amren, Feyre dwells on Hybern’s taunt that Rhys will spend everything to stop the war, and Feyre realizes she cannot count on the uncertain loyalty of the other High Lords to save him. That fear drives her to act on a dangerous idea. Feyre asks Amren about the creature beneath the library, learns its name is Bryaxis, and reminds Amren that she is already bound to it by bargain. Feyre then orders Amren to come with her at once so they can inspect the wards and try to strike a new bargain with Bryaxis.