After the creature’s appearance on the first night, nothing else attacks Celaena and Rowan, but Rowan offers Celaena no comfort, conversation, or protection. Celaena sleeps badly in the cold forest and grows increasingly exhausted as they continue riding through misty foothills and woods.

During the journey, Celaena notices humans on the road reacting fearfully to Rowan, giving him the right of way and muttering prayers. Celaena considers asking about Rowan’s tattoo but chooses silence because speaking might create a bond, and Celaena wants no more friends to lose.

As the road climbs into the Cambrian Mountains, the cold, hunger, and physical discomfort become a grim distraction for Celaena. Celaena recognizes that the pain feels almost deserved, but avoids examining that thought too closely after the emotional strain caused by seeing Prince Galan.

On the third evening, Rowan leads Celaena off the main path toward an ancient, warded mountain fortress surrounded by carved stones and guarded towers. Celaena realizes the magic wards likely alert the inhabitants to their arrival, and Celaena studies the fortress for exits and weaknesses while hoping for warmth despite her unease.

Inside the fortress, Rowan brings Celaena to a small office. There Celaena finds Maeve, Queen of the Fae, waiting behind the desk; Maeve addresses Celaena by her true name, Aelin Galathynius, forcing Celaena to confront the identity Celaena has dreaded hearing spoken for ten years.