After discovering the severed, Night Court-branded head, Feyre learns Tamlin has been called to a border as the blight creeps toward Spring. He spends the night away, but Lucien assures her he is alive, leaving Feyre anxious and heartsick over faerie politics that treat lives like game pieces.

The next day, the estate prepares for Summer Solstice. Alis insists Feyre attend and dresses her in a blue gown with a flower garland. Tamlin returns uninjured and escorts Feyre to the hilltop festivities, explaining Solstice as a night of neutrality and celebration.

Separated in the crowd, Feyre eats alone until Lucien warns her not to drink faerie wine. Seeking release, she drinks anyway, becoming euphoric and drawn to the music. Lucien tries to rein her in, but Tamlin—revealed as one of the musicians—takes over, promising to watch her. Feyre dances wildly, then with Tamlin, as he plays a solo for her and joins her in revelry.

As the music fades, Tamlin guides Feyre to a moonlit meadow where will-o’-the-wisps appear, singing and gliding over the grass. They dance together among the spirits, drifting into intimacy. Near dawn, Tamlin admits he might kiss her; Feyre invites it, and they share tentative, then fierce kisses, affirming their growing bond.

Tamlin leads Feyre to a dew-slick hill to watch sunrise. Held against him, Feyre realizes she can imagine a better world and life. As the sun crowns the horizon, they kiss deeply. Feyre recognizes the moment as the happiest of her life, their relationship solidified even as the blight advances.