In the glass castle’s council room, Aedion assesses exits and possible weapons after being brought before the king without his sword or shackles. Chaol is also unshackled and still armed, while Dorian and Sorscha stand under the king’s scrutiny. The king reveals that his spies know Aedion has been moving through Rifthold at night, that Aedion and Chaol have grown close, and that Dorian planned to flee with Sorscha.

The king orders guards to separate Dorian from Sorscha, forcing Sorscha to kneel with a sword at her neck. Dorian tries to protect Sorscha by offering information, but the king presses him about Aedion and Chaol’s secret meetings. Chaol realizes the king suspects a spy’s connection to Ren but does not fully know who has been passing information.

Chaol prepares to sacrifice himself, but Aedion acts first. Aedion throws down his fake black ring and claims to be the traitor, saying Chaol only learned of his rebel contacts and blackmailed him for information. Aedion openly declares loyalty to his queen and threatens the king, allowing himself to be shackled while silently entrusting Chaol with the message he may never give Aelin.

The king accepts Aedion’s confession and reveals his deeper aim: he will delay Aedion’s execution for a month or two to lure Aelin to Rifthold. Then the king turns to Sorscha and exposes her as the true long-term spy, citing letters she sent to rebel contacts after being trained by Fenharrow rebels and their Rifthold allies. Sorscha admits the king destroyed everything she had and tells Dorian she was not supposed to love him, but she did.

Dorian kneels before the king and offers any price if Sorscha can be exiled or spared. The king refuses. A guard beheads Sorscha with one blow, and Dorian’s scream fills the room as Aedion rages in chains, the guards drag Aedion away, and Chaol stands stunned while Dorian crawls through Sorscha’s blood toward her body.