On the highest tower of Orynth, Yrene sends out another flare of healing power as a beacon and challenge. Erawan senses it and answers, leaving the battlefield in an ilken’s grasp and landing on the balcony before her, his presence spreading panic through the castle.

Below, Maeve taunts Aelin for giving up the Wyrdkeys and diminishing herself, claiming Aelin is now only an assassin with a crown. Aelin uses Maeve’s gloating to regain strength and takes comfort in knowing Erawan has taken the bait and gone after Yrene. Maeve attacks with Valg darkness, forcing Aelin backward until a strike drops Aelin into the mud.

Maeve then invades Aelin’s mind, trapping Aelin in an illusion of the iron coffin and the torture chamber where Cairn once broke her body. Maeve tries to convince Aelin that the battle, the Lock, and Aelin’s freedom were only a dream, offering release if Aelin yields the Wyrdkeys and swears the blood oath. Cairn appears in the illusion, but Aelin remembers her oaths, Nehemia’s strength, and her own refusal to yield.

Aelin breaks the illusion’s hold by accepting that the torture marked her but does not define her. She confronts Maeve’s fear and cruelty, then attacks with Goldryn and the last embers of her fire. Aelin drives Maeve back through the illusion toward the red-hot iron coffin, nearly turning Maeve’s trap against her.

Maeve saves herself by conjuring an illusion of Elide in danger. Aelin instinctively moves to protect Elide and leaves herself vulnerable, allowing Maeve to seize Aelin’s throat with shadow. Back in the real battlefield, Maeve threatens to force Aelin and Dorian to repair the damage done with the Lock and says she will destroy everything Aelin loves until Aelin kneels.

Rowan, Lorcan, and Fenrys arrive and push back enough darkness for Aelin to breathe. Rowan offers Aelin his hand, but Fenrys attacks Maeve first in revenge. Maeve wounds Fenrys brutally, then unleashes a prepared wave of darkness that engulfs Rowan, Lorcan, and Fenrys; their magic is swallowed, and Rowan begins screaming.