Tamlin winnows Feyre back to the Spring Court manor, and Feyre is struck by how quiet, small, and beautiful it still is despite her memories of it as a prison. She immediately begins her deception, smiling through tears and pretending relief at being home, even as she internally condemns Tamlin for betraying innocents to get her back.

While Tamlin watches her, Feyre reflects that Hybern only broke the bargain tattoo linking her to Rhysand, not their deeper mating bond. She remembers that the night before, Rhys took her to the temple and she secretly swore herself to him, Velaris, and the Night Court as High Lady. Feyre quietly reaches down the hidden bond to Rhys, receives his answering presence, and keeps all sign of that connection off her face.

Lucien bluntly asks how Feyre escaped Rhysand's control, and Feyre lies that she simply wanted to break free and somehow did. She also pretends uncertainty and damaged memory when Tamlin asks if Rhys hurt her, letting Tamlin believe the worst. Feyre touches Tamlin and tells him he is real and that he freed her, using exactly the story Tamlin wants to believe.

When Tamlin tries to send her inside to rest, Feyre stops him and insists that this time she be included, with no more confinement, guards, or secrecy. Claiming she wants to help save her sisters and tell Tamlin what she knows, Feyre actually secures freedom to mislead Tamlin, Jurian, the queens, and Ianthe from within. Tamlin apologizes for how he treated her and promises they will start over, but Lucien's hard stare suggests he suspects the truth. As Feyre gives Lucien a sweet smile and enters the manor, the chapter ends with Tamlin unknowingly leading the High Lady of the Night Court into the heart of his own territory.