Maeve releases Dorian from her dark magic after catching him in shifted form. Dorian realizes that Maeve’s mind-breaking power makes a direct fight impossible, so he shifts back into his human body and adopts a courtier’s strategy instead. Maeve reveals that Cyrene and other spiders informed her about Dorian’s abilities and helped the Ironteeth locate him.

Maeve tries to enter Dorian’s mind to learn where the Wyrdkeys are hidden, but Dorian blocks her with a wall of ice. Using Damaris to test her words, Dorian learns that Maeve truly intends to betray Erawan and prevent the Valg kings from returning. Maeve tries to exploit Dorian’s resentment by claiming Aelin is glad he may sacrifice himself in her place, but Dorian turns the conversation into an opportunity.

Dorian pretends to consider Maeve’s argument and offers a larger alliance: Maeve can join Adarlan, help him retrieve what Erawan has, and become his queen. He frames the offer as a chance for Maeve to rule rather than kneel to Erawan. Maeve probes Dorian’s mind enough to see the truth of his desperation and accepts, saying Dorian came to Morath for a key and will leave with a bride; Dorian privately resolves to leave with both.

Hours later, Dorian watches Morath from a tower in raven form and reflects on the danger of allying with Maeve. He notices movement near Erawan’s council room and overhears Vernon Lochan complaining that Erawan has rejected his counsel. Seeing an opening, Dorian follows and prepares a reckless impersonation.

After Erawan leaves the council room, Dorian approaches him in Vernon’s form and asks why Erawan chose this world and this territory. Erawan explains that he wants to reshape the world into a mirror of the Valg homeland to honor his brothers and prepare for their return. Dorian also learns that Erawan will spare only those who kneel, that Vernon’s failure with Elide cost him Erawan’s trust, and that the former King of Adarlan never fully bowed to Erawan.

Dorian returns to Maeve’s rooms in mouse form. Maeve knows where Dorian went and calls him a fool, warning that Erawan would have collared him again if Dorian had tried to fight. When Maeve asks whether Dorian found what he was seeking, Dorian admits he did not.