Feyre prepares to leave the Spring Court. Alis dresses her in restrictive human finery, and their terse exchange ends with Alis urging Feyre to use her freedom. Outside, Lucien openly challenges Tamlin for sending Feyre away so quickly, but Tamlin refuses debate. Feyre and Tamlin share a brief, aching farewell before he admits he loves her and seals her departure.

As the carriage enters the forest, a wash of magic forces Feyre into sleep. She wakes arriving at an unfamiliar, opulent human chateau staffed by human servants. There, she is confronted by her sisters, Nesta and Elain, who initially treat her as a titled stranger until Feyre reveals herself.

Inside, Elain explains their sudden prosperity: shortly after Feyre left, a stranger invested through their father, profits surged, and even lost ships were recovered—Tamlin’s concealed intervention. Feyre recognizes the ruse and its intent to secure her family’s safety and comfort.

Reunited yet unsettled, Feyre observes Nesta’s cool scrutiny and Elain’s delighted warmth. Their father weeps and vows to throw a ball in Feyre’s honor. Though her mother’s dying wish is fulfilled and her family is provided for, Feyre feels an expanding dread that leaving Prythian—and Tamlin—was a mistake, recalling the Suriel’s command to stay with the High Lord.