After Tamlin destroys the study in a burst of rage, Feyre realizes the invisible barrier protecting her from the wreckage is her own physical shield. Tamlin cannot cross it at first, then reaches her when the barrier breaks. He kneels beside Feyre, apologizes repeatedly, admits he cannot always control his temper, and begs for more time to become better. Feyre cannot answer with words, so she holds Tamlin instead, even as she notices red paint on the wall that looks like blood.

In the following days, Tamlin continues apologizing and tries to repair the damage through affection, sex, and small concessions. He allows fewer guards to shadow Feyre and lets her ride out alone, though Feyre knows he is still watching her indirectly. Tamlin never mentions Feyre's physical shield, and Feyre avoids raising the subject because the fragile peace feels too precarious to disturb.

As Tamlin spends more time away and still withholds information, Feyre retreats into silence and routine. She passes her days in the library practicing reading and writing, strengthening her mental shield, and testing whether she can summon the wall of hardened air again. Both Feyre and Tamlin continue suffering from nightmares, and Feyre feels increasingly emptied out and uncertain of what she wants beyond mere survival. When Tamlin returns for a longer stay about two weeks after the Tithe, Feyre decides she owes it to both of them to try speaking and acting normally again.

That attempt is interrupted when Feyre wakes to Tamlin arguing with Rhysand in the hallway. Rhys has come to collect Feyre under their bargain, and his expression changes when he sees how thin and worn she has become. After Feyre dresses, she asks Tamlin how Rhys entered the house and suggests that, if war is coming, Tamlin should try to mend relations with him. Tamlin refuses, insists Feyre does not need to know more, and urges her to focus on recovering. Back in the hall, Tamlin offers Rhys anything in exchange for ending the bargain, shocking Feyre. Rhys refuses, says he already has everything he wants, takes Feyre's hand, and winnows her away.