After the escape from the palace, Emily remembers little of the journey down from the mountains because remnants of the snow king’s enchantment still cling to her. Wendell gradually pulls Emily back from the faerie realm into the mortal one, and Emily wakes in the cottage shivering despite the fire. Wendell tells Emily they must leave Hrafnsvik at once for Loabaer and then London, both to avoid the aftermath at court and because their earlier ship is gone. He also reveals that Aud has returned to the king to ask a favor, most likely an end to the unnatural winter.

As Emily recovers, Wendell brings her food and presents a completed scholarly paper, Of Frost and Fire: An Empirical Study of the Folk of Ljosland, crediting both of them as authors. Emily realizes Wendell has skillfully shaped her notes into a stronger, more engaging work than she could have written alone. She also discovers that Wendell has read through her encyclopaedia manuscript and heavily annotated it; Emily initially resents the intrusion but admits that many of Wendell’s suggestions are useful.

Later, Lilja, Margret, Mord, Aslaug, Finn, and others arrive with food and help to pack. The busy, affectionate visit shows Emily how much her relationships in Hrafnsvik have changed, since these people now treat her warmly and practically rather than ceremonially. Emily worries over how to thank them for helping rescue her, but Aslaug dismisses the formality and tells Emily they are family now, which deeply affects Emily.

After the others leave, Emily tells Wendell that she thinks the snow king’s spell took hold when it did because she had been considering Wendell’s proposal. Emily does not accept or refuse him outright, but admits she wants to keep thinking about marrying him. Wendell is openly pleased by this, and instead of pressing further, he gives Emily a gentle kiss on the cheek before retiring, leaving Emily bewildered and emotionally stirred.

The next morning, Emily and Wendell prepare to sail for Loabaer. Aud has returned successfully: the king, delighted by his revenge and believing Emily likely dead, grants Aud’s request to end the brutal winter and bring an early spring. The village gathers to say farewell, giving Emily food, advice, and invitations to return, especially for Lilja and Margret’s wedding. Emily boards the boat with Wendell and Shadow, hiding her tears as Hrafnsvik fades behind them and their journey toward London begins.