Beyond Mistward’s barrier, Celaena meets the creatures’ darkness with fire, using her power to shield the ward-gates behind her while fighting all three enemies with Goldryn. The creatures attack with unnatural coordination, trying to break her defenses and incapacitate her rather than kill her.

When Celaena channels flame through Goldryn, the creatures recognize the sword and name it. Their words trigger Celaena’s memory of ancient wars, Wyrdkeys, and Elena, leading her to realize that the beings inside the mortal bodies are Valg. The central creature confirms that they are princes of their realm and that a mortal man invited them back into the world, making the King of Adarlan’s power far more terrifying than Celaena had understood.

The fight drains Celaena rapidly. She keeps pouring magic into the shield to protect everyone inside Mistward, even as blood pours from her nose and mouth and the signs of burnout begin. She hopes Rowan will come, but when she considers retreat, she realizes the barrier would likely fall and the people inside would be slaughtered.

Rowan’s five allies arrive from the mountains in animal and Fae forms. Celaena spends the last of her strength opening a bridge of flame through the darkness so they can reach the fortress and help the defenders. As Gavriel, in mountain cat form, pauses near her, Celaena tells him Rowan is inside and orders him to go.

Inside Mistward, Rowan holds the tunnel against Adarlanian soldiers and learns from Luca that Bas let the enemy in because some demi-Fae wanted the creatures’ promised power. Rowan’s allies enter the fight, allowing Rowan to rush for the battlement gates. He sees Aelin outside, nearly burned out, still standing between the Valg princes and the barrier.

Rowan understands that Aelin never intended to save herself. Before he can reach her, Gavriel pins him to stop him from running into the lethal darkness. Rowan watches helplessly as a Valg prince takes Aelin’s face in his hands, her flames go out, and the darkness swallows her.