During training, Celaena watches Cain closely, studying his unnatural strength and black ring while wondering how he learned to summon the ridderak. Nox notices her distraction, her new bite-like scars, and her concern about the remaining Champions, then presses her for answers.

Celaena warns Nox that the Champions’ deaths were not accidents and that another attack may come before the final Test. As Nox pieces together her past, he realizes she was not merely near Endovier but enslaved in its mines, and finally understands that she is Celaena Sardothien. Celaena tells Nox to leave because he does not face death or a return to Endovier if he loses, and Nox accepts the warning. Before departing, Nox asks Celaena to kill Cain; that night, Nox slips out of the castle.

Later, Kaltain, dulled by opium and a worsening headache, walks through the castle toward Perrington’s dinner table. Kaltain passes Cain and sees shadows seeming to leak from him, with phantom wings circling around him, but by the time Kaltain reaches the Great Hall, the vision has faded from memory.

After dinner, Celaena plays chess with Dorian. Their flirtation deepens, but Celaena remains afraid to tell Dorian about the ridderak, Wyrdmarks, or the fresh chalk marks she found under her bed. Celaena wants Dorian near because Cain would not risk harming the prince, yet she also fears Dorian could be hurt if Cain attacks. When Dorian notices Celaena trembling, Celaena deflects by kissing him.

After Dorian leaves in the early morning, Celaena stays awake with improvised weapons, knowing they are useless against Cain’s power. Celaena reflects that Cain may have learned Wyrdmarks in the White Fang Mountains and resolves to survive until the duels, where she can kill him. After a nightmare of running from a pursuing demon, Celaena wakes near dawn and realizes she has survived the night.

A few hours later, news spreads that Nox has left the castle. Because only four Champions remain, the final Test is canceled, and Celaena learns she will duel Grave, Renault, and Cain the next day, when her freedom will be decided.