Cassian finds Nesta sprinting through a side street, likely fleeing both Rhysand’s wrath and her own shame after telling Feyre the truth. Before Nesta can reach a tavern, Cassian snatches her into the air and carries her out of the city. At the House of Wind, Azriel silently meets them with a heavy pack, and Cassian takes it before flying Nesta deep into the mountains without looking back.

Nesta remains numb and silent throughout the long flight. She believes she has done something unforgivable and even wishes Cassian had not saved her from Rhysand. By nightfall they land beneath a rocky overhang in the Sleeping Mountains, and Cassian, exhausted and cold with anger, says only that they will camp there. Nesta withdraws to the back of the shelter, lies on the hard ground, and tries to disappear into sleep and self-loathing.

Later, while Cassian keeps watch, Feyre speaks to him mind-to-mind. Feyre says Rhysand completely overreacted and admits she is furious with everyone for hiding the danger of her pregnancy, even if she understands their reasons. Cassian argues that Nesta revealed the truth partly to wound Feyre, but he also realizes Nesta may have acted because she saw similarities between their situations and wanted, in her own damaged way, to defend both Feyre and herself. Feyre agrees with that interpretation, even if Rhysand does not.

Feyre then shows the steadiness that defines her response to the crisis. Rather than surrendering to fear, Feyre says she will fight for herself and her son until she no longer can, and Cassian promises that all of them will fight for her as well. Feyre also tells Cassian that Rhysand has realized he had no right to threaten Nesta or drive Cassian from the city and has apologized.

Even with that apology, Cassian decides not to return yet. He tells Feyre that he and Nesta will remain in the wilderness for a few days and that he plans to make Nesta hike, framing it as punishment and refusing to bring her home until he thinks she is ready. Feyre relays that Rhysand is secretly pleased by the idea, laughs, and then asks Cassian to take care of both Nesta and himself. Cassian looks at the sleeping Nesta in the shadows and silently promises that he will.