Feyre prepares for Starfall and is startled to see how much her body has recovered. Rhysand is absent, so Cassian escorts her to the House of Wind, where Velaris has gone dark in anticipation of the event. At the gathering, Feyre notices the strained mood beneath the celebration, especially with everyone preparing to leave Velaris the next day.

While waiting, Feyre speaks with Mor. Mor explains that Starfall itself is the true attraction, then admits that she once slept with Cassian when they were young because she wanted to choose that experience for herself before her family could control her life. Mor says she never pursued Cassian afterward, has had other lovers, and insists he is frustrated more by being denied than by love.

Rhys finally joins Feyre, and their awkward conversation is interrupted when the first falling lights appear. Feyre watches Starfall in awe as countless bright streaks cross the sky and the city erupts into joyful dancing. Seeing Mor, Cassian, and Azriel dance together makes Rhys visibly sad, and he leads Feyre to a quieter balcony above the celebration.

Alone together, Feyre apologizes for what she said during their argument, and Rhys admits he stayed away because she had wounded him and he feared rejection. He explains that the falling lights are not stars but migrating spirits, and he reveals why Starfall hurts him: while he was Under the Mountain, Amarantha forced him to service her through the night every year, knowing how much the event meant to him. Rhys says he keeps that pain from his friends so he will not ruin the night for them.

The heavy confession is broken when a star-spirit collides with Feyre’s face, coating her in glowing dust, and then splatters Rhys as well. They laugh together for the first time, and Feyre playfully traces stardust on his hand, realizing she has painted again and has finally smiled openly at him. When Feyre asks for the thoughts he once promised her, Rhys admits he hid because he thought she would throw him out and that he wishes he could undo the harsh kiss he gave her Under the Mountain. Feyre asks him to dance, and the chapter ends with them reconciled, hand in hand, returning to the celebration.