In Rifthold, Chaol has been haunted for a month by the same nightmare: Celaena killing Archer Finn, then Dorian, then appearing as both lover and enemy. The dream reflects Chaol’s fear of Celaena’s violence, her hidden identity as Aelin Ashryver Galathynius, and what that identity could mean for Adarlan, Dorian, and himself.

Chaol wakes from the memory while dining with Dorian in the Great Hall. Dorian notices Chaol is thinking about Celaena, but Chaol lies and says he is thinking about his father. Chaol reflects that he agreed to return to Anielle with his father as the price for getting Celaena safely sent to Wendlyn, while also choosing to conceal both Celaena’s true identity and Dorian’s magic because either secret could destroy them.

Their strained attempt at conversation is interrupted when Aedion Ashryver, the infamous General of the North and Celaena’s cousin, enters the hall. Chaol is shocked by Aedion’s resemblance to Celaena and unsettled by the king’s tolerance of Aedion’s insolence. Aedion reports that his legion, the Bane, will arrive later and offers the king disturbing trophies from a rebel camp, confirming his brutal service against Terrasen rebels.

Chaol then notices that Aedion wears a black ring like the king and his controlled servants, suggesting Aedion may be bound to the king’s will. Aedion joins Chaol and Dorian at their table, taunting them about old parties, Chaol’s scar, and Celaena. When Chaol asks about Terrasen, Aedion speaks coldly of hunting rebels and reveals that he carries the Sword of Orynth, the royal heirloom that should belong to Aelin.

Aedion continues provoking Dorian, mentioning the vanished witch Matron and pushing the prince toward anger. Dorian’s magic begins to affect the air, so Chaol intervenes and leads him out before Aedion can trigger a dangerous display. Away from the hall, Dorian resents Chaol’s interference, but Chaol explains that he is trying to protect Dorian without knowing too much that could be forced from him.

At Dorian’s tower, Dorian asks why Chaol truly sent Celaena to Wendlyn. Chaol wants to reveal the truth but refuses to risk exposing Celaena, so he only says he sent her to do what needs to be done. Chaol leaves Dorian behind, increasingly afraid of what Aedion’s arrival, allegiance, and knowledge could mean if Celaena ever returns or learns what her cousin has become.