After exhausting herself against the invisible barrier around Mistward, Celaena finds Rowan nearby. He tells her that reinforcements from Wendlyn will not come. In the wake of the news about Endovier and Calaculla, Celaena responds with cold resolve rather than despair, refusing Rowan’s offer to leave for Doranelle and seek answers from Maeve.

Celaena insists she will fight because Nehemia and her parents would have stayed, and because Rowan is needed to give the demi-Fae any chance of survival. Rowan challenges the danger to her bloodline, but Celaena chooses to follow him “to whatever end.” Rowan returns her cared-for dagger and calls her “Fireheart,” recognizing both her power and her grief.

The reason for Wendlyn’s absence becomes clear: Adarlan has attacked Wendlyn’s northern border with three thousand soldiers by ship, forcing Wendlyn to send all available troops north. Rowan urges Mistward’s nonfighters to flee, but none leave; even Emrys stays, and Malakai refuses to abandon his mate.

Through the night, Rowan, Celaena, and the others revise their defense plans without reinforcements. Celaena helps where she can while Rowan directs the strategy. Emrys eventually forces everyone to stop and rest before dawn.

In their room, Rowan reveals that he sent for aid from his cadre days earlier, though he does not know whether they can or will come, or whether Maeve will permit it. Celaena realizes Rowan has risked much for Mistward and claims him as her friend. Rowan does not deny the bond, but silently believes that even if they survive, Celaena will leave Maeve’s realm alone.

The next morning, Emrys and the remaining demi-Fae help move patients from the healers’ compound to safety. Celaena and Rowan return to the trees without farewells, as if good-byes would invite death. That night, Celaena is shaken awake by Rowan, suggesting the threat has finally arrived.