Feyre brings the wolf and doe hides to market with Nesta and Elain, where the Children of the Blessed block their path. Nesta contemptuously rebuffs an acolyte while villagers heap insults on the zealots. Seeking buyers, Feyre separates from her sisters and surveys the square.

She approaches a scarred mercenary, sells both pelts for an unexpectedly high price, and learns the woman is repaying a past kindness. The mercenary warns that faeries are slipping through the wall, recounts a nobleman’s report of martax tearing a village apart, and stresses that High Lords would be far worse.

When Feyre asks about other faeries, the mercenary reveals twisted scars and blackened veins from a poisonous bite, urging Feyre to stay away from the woods. Nesta drags Feyre off, insisting mercenaries are dangerous, and Elain admits a different mercenary once robbed them, explaining their fear.

Across the square, Feyre spots Isaac and reflects on their wordless, pragmatic affair and his impending marriage. After Nesta’s jab about precautions, Feyre gives Elain a twenty-mark coin and departs, intending to meet Isaac later while keeping their dealings discreet.

That evening, after another venison dinner, Feyre notices her sisters spent the money but bought a new chisel for their father, and Nesta chopped more wood. As Feyre prepares to confront Nesta about Tomas, a deafening roar and a blast of snow precede an enormous, growling shape filling their doorway.