Cassian meets Rhysand in the High Lord’s study before taking Nesta to the House of Wind. Rhysand reveals that Cassian’s recent work stabilizing the Illyrian camps was partly a test for greater responsibility. He warns that Nesta is not merely difficult but potentially dangerous, because her power from the Cauldron may be dormant rather than gone. Rhysand admits he is afraid of her and tells Cassian to stay alert while managing her.

Rhysand then gives Cassian a second assignment: investigate signs that the human queens may be plotting again. Because Azriel is already overburdened, Rhysand wants Cassian to work more openly and politically rather than as a shadow operative. Cassian resists the idea of acting as a courtier, but Rhysand makes clear that he expects him to handle both the queens and Nesta, increasing the pressure on Cassian just as he begins this new role.

Downstairs, Cassian prepares to bring Nesta to the House of Wind. Feyre keeps her distance from Nesta, who refuses to speak to her, while Mor arrives early from Vallahan looking strained and unwilling to explain why. Mor agrees to winnow Nesta and Cassian to the House, and Cassian notices Nesta’s wary attention when Mor jokes about his new responsibilities. Although Nesta goes with them, her silence and rigid anger show that she feels cornered rather than cooperative.

Mor winnows them above the House of Wind, and Cassian catches Nesta and flies her to the veranda because direct winnowing inside is impossible. The journey forces Nesta back into memories of the last time she stayed there after being Made, when she was terrified for Elain and barely holding herself together. Inside, Cassian shows Nesta to her old room, explains that Azriel is staying nearby, and outlines the next day’s plan: training at Windhaven, then work in the library with Clotho. Nesta refuses food, resists the training order, and considers lashing out at Cassian, but exhaustion and despair overwhelm her. After shutting herself in her room, she closes the curtains, retreats into darkness, and collapses into bed, signaling how deeply trapped and emotionally numb she remains.