In the early hours after the attack on Velaris, the Inner Circle regroups in the town house, exhausted and wounded. Rhys reports that the city is secure again because the wards broken by the Cauldron have been rebuilt. As they assess the cost of the battle, Feyre learns more of Amren's brutal defense across the river, and Cassian warns that Hybern now knows Velaris exists and could expose it to further enemies. When Feyre asks who will protect the city if they all go to destroy the Cauldron, Amren volunteers to remain behind, and the group agrees that their next step must be retaliation.

Later, Feyre finds Rhys alone on the roof, grieving the damage done to his hidden city and blaming himself for endangering it. He admits he was shaken when Feyre completely shielded him out during the battle and nearly died fighting the Attor, but he also refuses to condemn her for defending Velaris. Feyre reassures Rhys that the attack was not his fault and insists that they deserve both each other and happiness. Their reconciliation deepens their bond, and they make love on the roof beneath the stars.

The next afternoon, Amren announces that she has deciphered the Book of Breathings. She explains that to nullify the Cauldron's power, Feyre must physically touch it and speak a specific spell. Amren also warns the group not to join the two halves of the Book, because doing so would send out a burst of power that could awaken ancient, terrible beings. This revelation turns their attention from defense to a direct strike on Hybern.

Cassian and Azriel present the plan they have already prepared: Mor and Rhys will transport the group near Hybern, but Rhys must stay outside the castle so his presence is less likely to be detected. Feyre, Azriel, and Cassian will infiltrate the stronghold, find the Cauldron in the lower levels, and either nullify it or steal it if necessary. Rhys is visibly troubled by the idea of sending Feyre into danger without him, but instead of forbidding her, he tells her the choice is hers alone. Feyre recognizes how different this is from Tamlin's control and decides for herself that they will go to Hybern.

After the meeting, Feyre and Rhys settle another part of their future. Rhys tells Feyre they will share one bedroom from now on, and Feyre finds that he has already moved her belongings into his room. He then gives her his mother's star sapphire ring and explains that his mother left it with the Weaver as a test for any future bride or mate. Feyre realizes she claimed the family ring without knowing it, but she chooses not to wear it yet because it could expose their bond if Hybern captures or observes her. Instead, she says that after they destroy the Cauldron, she wants to publicly declare the bond, marry Rhys, and celebrate openly, and Rhys hints that he wants even more than that future together.