Feyre tells the Bone Carver that war is coming and asks whether he might use his gifts for their side. The Carver rejects the idea of returning to his original world and says he chose his prison cell because it is safer than freedom. He then reveals that the Weaver was his twin sister, Stryga, and that their older brother is Koschei, both ancient death-gods whose power once terrified the world.

The Carver explains that a long-ago Fae warrior managed only to confine Stryga and Koschei, not destroy them. He says he entered the Prison to hide from his siblings, who are stronger than he is, and describes Stryga as a being who devours life to preserve her beauty. When Feyre presses him about helping against Hybern, he refuses, insisting that remaining imprisoned is preferable to risking notice from his brother and sister.

As Feyre and Cassian prepare to leave, the Carver guesses they are headed to the Hewn City to bargain with Keir. He then changes course and offers a price for his help: Keir must give him the Ouroboros, an ancient mirror once kept in Stryga's black castle and said to reveal all things through its dark surface. Feyre gives no promise beyond saying they will see, and she and Cassian leave.

Outside the cell, Feyre and Cassian rest near a stream and discuss what they have learned. Cassian says he had guessed the Carver was an old god and suspects Rhys had as well. Their conversation turns to Nesta, and Feyre asks whether Cassian would fear her if her power is truly tied to death.

Cassian answers that he would fear for Nesta rather than fear her, because he has spent his life beside death and says nothing about Nesta could frighten him. Feyre thanks him, recognizing the compassion behind his answer. Rhys then appears to winnow them back, and after hearing that the Carver's price will complicate matters, he takes Feyre and Cassian to Velaris so they can head to the Hewn City negotiations.