A massive, horned, golden-furred faerie bursts into the Archeron cottage, roaring accusations of murder. Feyre places herself between the creature and her family, grasping for weapons and assessing the impossibility of a fight as her sisters and father cower behind her.

The beast demands to know who killed a gray wolf. Realizing the stakes, Feyre admits she slew it and sold its hide. Citing the Treaty’s terms—life for a life—the faerie rejects bargaining. He offers a grim choice: die immediately or cross the wall to live out her life in Prythian on his lands.

Weighing the danger to her family, Feyre resolves to go with him and seek a chance to escape later. The beast snaps her ash arrow and insists they leave at once, ending any thought of resistance.

Before departing, Feyre calmly gives her father practical instructions for using the venison, money, and where and how to hunt in spring, even naming Isaac Hale as a guide for snares. She warns Nesta not to marry Tomas Mandray, citing his family’s violence.

Her father first pleads, then urges Feyre never to return if she survives, to make a new life for herself. Steeled by his farewell, Feyre steps into the winter night and follows the beast toward the woods and Prythian.