Two days after Nyx's birth, Cassian goes to the Hewn City to question Eris, who is recovering there after Briallyn's capture and torture. Cassian learns that Rhys has already searched Eris's mind and confirmed that Eris knew little of Briallyn's plans, so Cassian instead presses him about what he told Beron after being returned.

Eris reveals that Beron did torture him, but that he protected the Night Court by mixing truth with lies. He told his father that Azriel's spies had reported the kidnapping and that the Night Court had only reluctantly rescued him. From this, Cassian realizes both that Beron is cruel enough to brutalize his own son and that Eris endured it without exposing their deeper involvement.

Cassian then turns to the older wound that has always defined Eris in their eyes: why Eris left Mor in the woods after she was brutalized. Eris refuses to explain himself to Cassian, saying Cassian is not the person he wants to answer. His evasiveness frustrates Cassian, but it also deepens Cassian's sense that Eris's past and motives are more complicated than they seem.

Before Cassian leaves, Eris warns that Briallyn's death has not ended the larger danger. Beron is enraged, Koschei remains a threat, and Eris fears Beron may seek an alliance with him as well. He also hopes Morrigan's work in Vallahan will offset the damage Beron may cause, shifting the chapter's focus from the recent crisis to the political conflict still ahead.

As Cassian prepares to return to Velaris, his thoughts settle on Nesta and the life they will build together after everything she has done. Looking at Eris, Cassian decides the male is not truly monstrous but trapped by fear and upbringing. He leaves Eris with a cutting judgment: Eris could be a good male, but he is too much of a coward to act like one.