After returning from Windhaven, Nesta notices that Cassian is unusually cold and distant. Rhysand also avoids speaking to her, and Cassian leaves again with him before dinner. Later, restless and curious about Cassian's mood, Nesta goes to the dining room instead of isolating herself, finds Cassian brooding alone, and learns that he is not upset about the queens or the Dread Trove. She mentions inviting Emerie to train, but Cassian's distracted response confirms that something deeper is wrong.

When Nesta presses him, Cassian explains that his meeting with Eris disturbed him. It is not only Eris's insults that wound Cassian, but the way Eris's political skill and manipulative calm leave him feeling outmatched, clumsy, and like a "stupid brute." Cassian also admits that, despite hating Eris and wanting him dead, he knows Eris would still be a better High Lord than Beron and that the Autumn Court's welfare matters. Seeing Cassian's pain and self-loathing, Nesta is struck by his decency and ashamed because Eris's cruelty echoes wounds she herself has inflicted on him before.

Wanting to erase the hurt in Cassian's eyes, Nesta takes control physically and kisses his neck, then asks him to let her continue. She kneels before him, studies his reactions, and deliberately pleasures him, asking how he likes to be touched and adjusting when he cannot fully answer. As the encounter intensifies, Nesta encourages Cassian to stop holding back. Cassian finally gives in, thrusts into her mouth, and climaxes when Nesta refuses to let him pull away and swallows everything he gives her.

The encounter breaks Cassian's earlier gloom, and he immediately wants to return the favor and continue with her on the table. Just as Nesta begins to undo her pants, footsteps warn them that someone is approaching. Cassian and Nesta hastily compose themselves before Azriel enters, clearly aware of what he has interrupted. Nesta leaves at once, and Azriel dryly teases Cassian about nearly having sex in the dining room. Cassian, now laughing instead of brooding, realizes that Nesta alone pulled him out of his dark mood.