Rhysand shocks Feyre by revealing that the King of Hybern has long been planning a campaign to destroy Prythian’s defenses, tear down the wall, and reclaim the human lands. He explains that Amarantha’s rule was only a test run and warns that Hybern will likely attack through stealth, internal allies, and weakened courts rather than open battle first. Because Feyre is close to Tamlin, Rhysand wants her to learn whether the Spring Court will fight and whether Tamlin’s old ties to Hybern can be useful.

Rhysand then says he also needs Feyre herself. He reminds her of her skill at trapping dangerous creatures, says he trusts her to help him find something he needs, and argues that the powers she received from the seven High Lords may be real and dangerous if left untrained. When Feyre protests that Tamlin will never permit it, Rhysand rejects the idea that she belongs to Tamlin and urges her to become strong enough to protect both Prythian and her human family if war comes. He gives her the week to think about it.

During the rest of the week, Feyre sees no one but Nuala and Cerridwen, who bring meals and tend her room, while Rhysand continues her lessons through written assignments and repeated shield exercises. The open Night Court setting eases her nightmares somewhat. Near the end of the week, Feyre overhears Mor telling Rhysand about another brutal attack on a temple in Cesere, where priestesses were slaughtered and treasures stolen. Rhysand, furious, questions Mor about Azriel and Cassian, mentions rogue Illyrian war-bands as possible culprits, and later explains winnowing to Feyre before flying off to meet them.

When the week ends, Rhysand returns Feyre to the Spring Court after one more tense exchange about his offer and her bargain. Feyre finds Tamlin in his study with Lucien and sentries. Tamlin rushes to her, checks frantically for signs of harm, and reveals that he destroyed much of the house while she was gone. But when Feyre tries to seek comfort, Tamlin immediately shifts to strategy and calls Lucien in so they can question her.

Tamlin and Lucien press Feyre for every detail about the Night Court’s layout, Rhysand’s movements, the people she saw, and what she heard. Feyre reluctantly recounts Rhysand’s warnings about Hybern, the temple massacre, the names Cassian and Azriel, and the possibility that she inherited powers from the High Lords. Tamlin and Lucien admit the power may be real and say other High Lords could kill Feyre if they learn she has it. Feyre argues that she should train and prepare for Hybern, but Tamlin refuses, insists there will be no war, forbids training, and decides her powers must remain secret. Feyre outwardly yields to his authority, but she is left troubled by how fully he silences her and by Rhysand’s insistence that she is no one’s subject.