House of Flame and Shadow
by Sarah J. Maas
Contents
Chapter Seventy-Five
Overview
Ruhn and Lidia infiltrate the Comitium via the sewers to locate Isaiah and Naomi, relying on Lidia’s insider knowledge and Ruhn’s shadows while the city groans under Asteri occupation. Tharion and Sathia seek a meeting with the River Queen to secure refuge for civilians, underscoring how trapped Crescent City has become. At the Northern Rift, Bryce commits to opening a passage to Hel despite Ember and Randall’s fear, and Hunt energizes Bryce with his lightning to trigger the attempt.
Summary
Ruhn and Lidia move through Crescent City’s sewers toward the Comitium, stunned by how unrecognizable the occupied city has become: imperial battleships clog the Istros, dreadwolves prowl, the Asterian Guard has reinforced the 33rd, and smoke still rises from the burned Meadows. Flynn and Dec split off to scout the Aux headquarters for any sign of Isaiah and Naomi, hoping to intercept the two triarii at the Comitium instead of searching the city.
As they approach a restricted access door leading beneath the Comitium, Ruhn and Lidia quietly coordinate their plan: Lidia will guide them past cameras based on her knowledge as both the Hind and Agent Daybright, and Ruhn will use his shadows to hide once they reach the barracks. Their tense mission softens into intimacy when Ruhn admits he’s nervous because it’s his first mission with his girlfriend; after he checks that the label is welcome, Lidia confirms it is, and Ruhn kicks open the “Do Not Enter” door to proceed.
Elsewhere along the Istros, Tharion—disguised under a sunball cap—watches the imperial armada and recognizes Omega-boats among the docked vessels, including the SPQM Faustus that once hunted him and his friends. He fights the urge to sabotage the ships, but Sathia insists they stay focused on their purpose: persuading the River Queen to shelter people while the city is effectively held hostage.
Tharion summons a messenger otter, asks it to request a meeting with the River Queen, and adds a gold coin to make it fast. The otter dives into the river toward the Blue Court Beneath, leaving Tharion and Sathia to wait tensely in the shadows, wary of being recognized by imperial forces.
At the Northern Rift, Bryce prepares to open the archway to Hel while Ember repeatedly argues it’s unsafe to trust the princes of Hel. Randall supports Bryce but remains visibly uneasy. Bryce asks Hunt to power her for this attempt rather than risk experimenting alone with her newly gained strength; Hunt, haunted by what the Asteri might do if they obtain more of his lightning and thinking of Hel’s “Helfire,” counts to three and launches a spear of lightning into Bryce to begin opening the Rift.
Who Appears
- Ruhn DanaanSneaks through sewers with Lidia to reach the Comitium and find Isaiah and Naomi.
- Lidia CervosGuides infiltration using knowledge as Hind/Daybright; confirms she and Ruhn are a couple.
- Bryce QuinlanPrepares to open the Northern Rift to Hel; asks Hunt to power the attempt.
- Hunt AthalarChannels helfire-laced lightning into Bryce to initiate opening the Rift.
- Tharion KetosDisguised at the Istros; summons a messenger to request a meeting with the River Queen.
- SathiaKeeps Tharion focused on diplomacy, urging him to secure refuge instead of attacking ships.
- Ember QuinlanVoices fear and distrust about opening the Rift to Hel and relying on Hel’s princes.
- RandallSupports Bryce’s choice but is visibly tense about the risk at the Northern Rift.
- FlynnSplits from Ruhn to scout Aux headquarters for leads on Isaiah and Naomi.
- Declan EmmetAccompanies Flynn to investigate the Aux for information on Isaiah and Naomi.
- Isaiah TiberianSought by Ruhn and Lidia; expected at the Comitium as a triarii member.
- NaomiSought by Ruhn and Lidia alongside Isaiah; expected at the Comitium.
- The River QueenTarget of Tharion and Sathia’s request to shelter people during the occupation.