Dorian wakes with Sorscha after two weeks of secret nighttime visits. Their relationship remains hidden because discovery could cost Sorscha her position and bring royal consequences down on her. Sorscha refuses grand gifts and finally admits her greatest wish is simply a morning when she does not have to flee his room at first light.

After Sorscha leaves, Dorian reflects that he cannot abandon his obligations, expose his magic, or openly defy his father because Hollin would then become heir. Chaol arrives to apologize, but Dorian challenges him over his lies, his fear of Celaena’s true identity, and his discomfort with Dorian’s magic. Dorian concludes that Chaol cannot choose only the acceptable parts of people to love, and tells Chaol he must decide whether he is Celaena/Aelin’s enemy or friend.

Later, Aedion, Chaol, and Ren wait in the hidden apartment for Murtaugh’s return. Ren is restless and frustrated by inactivity, but Murtaugh arrives exhausted and grim after investigating Skull’s Bay. Murtaugh asks about General Narrok, prompting Aedion to explain that Narrok had last been reported near the Dead Islands with a fleet.

Murtaugh reveals that Narrok’s fleet has left the Dead Islands and that Pirate Lord Rolfe believes something unnatural was being made there. Sailors heard inhuman roaring, and Rolfe’s men saw a pale, wrong-feeling figure wearing a black collar, as if restrained by an unseen leash. Murtaugh concludes that Narrok took some of these created monsters with him to Wendlyn for a surprise attack, timed to exploit the chaos caused by the king sending his Champion after Wendlyn’s royal family.

Ren asks whether Wendlyn can be warned, but Murtaugh says Rolfe refuses involvement and any messengers may arrive too late. After Murtaugh and Ren leave, Chaol and Aedion argue about loyalty: Aedion accuses Chaol of refusing to choose a side, while Chaol insists he will not betray his kingdom, prince, or vow to his father. Aedion says Chaol is clinging to a dead dream, and after a sleepless night Chaol goes to the king and announces his plans to return to Anielle.