Feyre scrubs a marble hallway with foul water under threat of being tied to a spit if it is not spotless by supper. Despairing over the impossible task, she is quietly visited by the unmasked Lady of the Autumn Court, who repays a debt for Feyre sparing Lucien by leaving her with clean, enchanted water. Feyre uses it to wash the floors and completes the chore to the guards’ frustration.

The next day, guards lock Feyre in a dark, austere bedroom and order her to sort lentils from the fireplace ashes before the occupant returns or have her skin peeled. After hours of futile searching, she arms herself with an iron poker as the door opens and darkness chills the room.

Rhysand appears on the bed and questions her. Feyre accuses him of orchestrating the task or being tested by Amarantha after betting on Feyre and lying about Clare. Rhysand denies arranging it, explains Amarantha stripped his power but left remnants, and demonstrates a partial shift—batlike wings and talons—before reverting. When Feyre asks about the riddle, he says Amarantha forbade anyone from helping and that all must obey her orders.

Rhysand snaps his fingers, cleaning Feyre and leaving the hearth spotless, with the lentils piled in a bucket. He compels the guards to assign her no more chores or tasks and to keep out of her cell, threatening magical self-slaughter if they touch her. Dazed, the guards obey, and Rhysand sends Feyre away with a sardonic “You’re welcome,” having offered her limited protection within Amarantha’s domain.