Exhausted from escaping Hybern, Feyre and Rhys crash into the freezing mud outside a small stone house because Rhys is too drained to winnow them properly inside. Cassian and Mor rush out when they see them, but Feyre, shaken and emotionally raw after learning from the Suriel that Rhys is her mate and hid that truth, leaves Rhys where he lies and goes straight to Mor.

Feyre asks Mor to take her somewhere far away immediately because she needs distance, quiet, and time to think. Even as Rhys calls after her, Mor reads Feyre's distress and agrees. Mor winnows Feyre to a remote mountain cabin surrounded by snow and protected by strong wards that keep anyone from entering without permission.

On the way to the cabin, Mor explains that Feyre is allowed through the wards. Feyre bluntly asks if that is because she is Rhys's mate, and Mor realizes Feyre already knows. Feyre says the Suriel told her while she was seeking information to heal Rhys. Mor asks whether Rhys survived, and Feyre answers only that he will live, making clear that she does not want to discuss him further.

Inside, Mor shows Feyre the simple cabin, explains that she and Rhys were once sent there for reflection, and activates its magic so it will provide heat, food, and hot water. Feyre visibly recoils at Rhys's name and asks Mor not to tell him where she is. Mor warns that Rhys will try to find her, but Feyre insists that he be told she does not want to be found for a while.

Before leaving, Mor tries to defend Rhys, saying he had wanted to tell Feyre about the bond and that his happiness with her goes beyond fate. Feyre refuses the comfort, cuts off further discussion, and thanks Mor in a way that clearly dismisses her. Mor says she will return in three days, then leaves Feyre alone in the silent, isolated cabin.