After the inner circle finishes debating the coming summit, Feyre lets Cassian carry her back to the House because he is still rebuilding his strength and wants the exercise. The group has decided to send invitations to the High Lords the next day, giving two weeks for arguments over where the meeting should be held. On the flight, Feyre is uneasy because she snapped at Rhys earlier as High Lady, and she turns to Cassian instead, asking whether Nesta might be able to help repair the wall.

Cassian says yes, partly because the court needs every advantage, but also because Nesta needs to leave the House before isolation destroys her. Feyre admits that when Nesta was forced into the Cauldron, she felt something in her become larger and more dangerous, and Cassian confirms that he still senses it at times. When Feyre asks why Cassian keeps trying with Nesta despite her hostility, Cassian reveals his guilt over failing to protect her and Elain in Hybern, then quietly admits that he cannot stay away from her.

At dinner, Elain stays in her room, but Nesta unexpectedly appears. Lucien, dressed formally, speaks with Feyre before the meal and makes it clear that he now understands why Velaris and the Night Court changed her view of what home could be. When Nesta enters in a dark blue gown, Mor tries to welcome her by admiring the dress, but Nesta bluntly rejects any warmth. The exchange exposes how tense Nesta remains with everyone, especially Cassian, who reacts strongly to seeing her and quickly leaves to fetch more wine.

Once everyone sits, Amren directly engages Nesta. Nesta, showing no fear, asks why Amren's eyes glow and what lies beneath her form, questions no one else has dared to ask. Amren answers that the others fear her, then tells Nesta that they are alike in one essential way: neither fits the role forced upon her, and both contain something powerful beneath the surface. Amren warns Nesta that when she finally erupts, she should make it felt across worlds, and Rhys cuts off the moment before it overwhelms the dinner.

The meal settles into the Night Court's usual informality, with Feyre explaining it to Lucien while the others bicker and joke. Nesta mostly watches, though she acknowledges that Feyre was right about food tasting better here. When Rhys mentions that invitations to all the High Lords go out tomorrow, Lucien offers serious strategic advice: they must learn exactly what Beron and Eris know about Feyre's powers, because Autumn could use that knowledge to control the summit or even aid Hybern. Rhys agrees and tells Lucien to work with Azriel the next day, then ends the chapter by saying that another important meeting must happen soon.