After a draining day in the Illyrian camp, Feyre remains chilled to the bone from expending so much magic. Over dinner, Cassian and Mor discuss training the camp’s girls and the resistance of their families, while Mor prepares to return to the Hewn City. In the cramped house, Feyre becomes acutely aware of Rhysand’s physical closeness, and when they part upstairs, she is tempted to cross the hall to him but retreats into her room instead, unwilling to define what is growing between them.

The next day, Rhysand takes Feyre deep into the forest to practice her dangerous fire magic far from the camp, where any loss of control will not endanger others. Azriel has brought no news about the queens, so they can spare the time, and Rhysand promises shelter nearby for the night. As they travel, Feyre reflects on the tension between them and decides she can treat their attraction as something physical and uncomplicated rather than confront its deeper implications.

Because Feyre fears hurting Rhysand after the previous day’s magical outburst, she signals for him to keep his distance while she searches for a suitable training ground. Even so, the bond between them hums with mutual hunger, and when Feyre deliberately lowers her mental shields slightly, she feels Rhysand’s amusement and desire in return. The exchange distracts her and underscores how difficult it is becoming to keep their relationship detached.

Feyre chooses a clearing near a fast-moving stream, reasoning that the open space and water will help contain any flames she unleashes. As she prepares to tell Rhysand to stay back, the wind and roar of the stream hide the approach of intruders. Before Feyre can begin training, she is suddenly surrounded by four armed Spring Court sentinels.

When one of them speaks her name, Feyre spins and aims an arrow at the threat. She recognizes two of the sentinels, Bron and Hart, and then sees Lucien standing between them. The chapter ends on that confrontation, with Feyre’s attempt to privately master her power interrupted by a direct return of her past life.