Two days after returning from the mountains, Nesta rejoins training with Gwyn and Emerie. Emerie teases her about disappearing with Cassian and coming back changed, and Nesta privately reflects that she and Cassian spent those days training and sleeping together. Gwyn unveils a white ribbon as a Valkyrie benchmark: if a warrior can cut it cleanly in half with one stroke, she is ready for battle. Emerie tries first and fails, and although Cassian proves the feat can be done, none of the women can manage it.

After training, Nesta acts on the tension still burning between her and Cassian and drags him to his room. Their physical relationship has become intense and immediate, and this encounter confirms that their desire for each other has only sharpened since the trip. The moment deepens their bodily intimacy, but it still does not turn into an openly acknowledged emotional commitment.

Over the following week, Nesta continues to avoid going to the city to face Feyre or Amren. She keeps attempting the stairs and gets only halfway before turning back, even as part of her knows she might be able to finish if she truly forced herself. Training also grows harder as shields are introduced, and the ribbon becomes a constant symbol of failure because none of them can cut it. At the same time, Nesta and Cassian keep taking each other to bed, but they never stay the night together, leaving Nesta privately wanting more than she can bring herself to ask for.

Later, while researching Valkyrie history in the library, Nesta is interrupted by Gwyn, who is still fixated on learning the ribbon's secret. Instead of discussing the Trove, Nesta asks about Gwyn's evening services with music and admits that she misses music deeply. She confesses that after the war she spiraled into drinking, casual sex, and self-destructive behavior, and says Feyre's decision to place her in the House may have helped her after all.

Rather than judging Nesta, Gwyn responds with compassion and tells her that her story matters. Gwyn then reveals that she, too, fears her own past being known and worries Nesta and Emerie would see her differently if they learned it. The two share a moment of trust, and Gwyn warmly invites Nesta to the evening service, promising that she will always be welcome. For Nesta, the invitation and acceptance feel like a meaningful step toward connection and healing.