House of Flame and Shadow
by Sarah J. Maas
Contents
Chapter One Hundred and Two
Overview
Bryce publicly abolishes the Fae monarchy forever, repurposing royal property to aid Asphodel Meadows and forcing the Fae toward a new, equal government. Ruhn and Lidia begin building a shared life while the Aux reorganizes under Ithan and allies, urgently planning for a looming firstlight power-grid collapse and coming political instability. A sudden crisis-turned-marvel erupts when Baxian reports a herd of pegasuses on Avallen, sending Bryce and Hunt racing back to the island.
Summary
Bryce summons the Fae nobility and press to the Autumn King’s villa and announces her first and only decree as queen: the Fae royal houses are ended. Using prepared documents, Bryce abolishes the monarchy permanently, clarifying she is not abdicating but ensuring no one can ever wear the crown again. She donates the Autumn King’s city residences to house those displaced by Asphodel Meadows—especially orphaned children—and orders all other royal properties sold to fund rebuilding.
Ruhn brings Lidia to a newly secured, furnished apartment one floor below Bryce’s. Ruhn frames it as a fresh start and has ensured a guest room with two beds so Lidia’s sons can visit. The two talk through the aftermath—surviving the Asteri, the difficulty of rebuilding government and ending slavery, and what it means to be “normal” now that the Danaan monarchy is gone—and they choose to face the future together.
At the Aux headquarters, Ithan prepares for the wolves of the Den to return and tests his footing as Prime. With Flynn, Declan, Perry, Ruhn, and Lidia present, Lidia demands immediate planning: assess the failing firstlight power grid, learn from the Ocean Queen’s technology, and anticipate political jockeying among the Archangels while Celestina negotiates with Ephraim. The group commits to a unified Aux across Houses and species, and Ithan feels a flicker of his old drive returning.
At the town house that will become the new Griffin Antiquities, Bryce and Hunt unpack Jesiba’s transferred collection, including the Parthos books, while Hypaxia updates them on stabilizing the antidote and needing more of Hunt’s lightning. Bryce and Hunt discuss the fallout of Bryce’s abolition of the monarchy and her plan to build a Fae democracy, while Bryce weighs her responsibility for Avallen.
Just as Bryce and Hunt are about to leave for an Aux meeting, Baxian calls from Avallen in panic: a herd of winged horses has appeared and is wrecking crops and land. Realizing these are pegasuses—echoing Silene’s history—Bryce and Hunt pivot immediately and promise to arrive by dawn, choosing action and life in the rebuilt world together.
Who Appears
- Bryce QuinlanAbolishes the Fae monarchy, redirects royal property to relief, prepares to govern and respond to Avallen’s crisis.
- Hunt AthalarSupports Bryce, supplies lightning for the antidote, and rushes with her to Avallen after Baxian’s call.
- Ruhn DanaanSecures an apartment for Lidia and her sons’ visits; commits to helping Bryce and leading the Aux.
- Lidia CervosStarts a new home with Ruhn; pushes urgent planning for power, allies, and looming political instability.
- Ithan HolstromActs as Prime at Aux HQ, commits to a unified Aux, and feels his old competitive drive returning.
- BaxianCalls from Avallen in panic, reporting a herd of pegasuses damaging land and needing Bryce’s help.
- HypaxiaWorks to stabilize and mass-produce the antidote; requests more of Hunt’s lightning.
- FlynnAttends Aux planning session, banters with the group, and reacts to leadership changes.
- Declan EmmetPresent at Bryce’s decree and Aux meeting; supports the group and teases Ithan.
- PerryJoins the Aux meeting and provides a lighter counterpoint amid new leadership tensions.