At dawn, Morath reveals that it has been holding back its true arsenal. A storm of arrows fills the sky, wounding Lysandra and killing witches as the Crochans and rebel Ironteeth struggle to rise into battle. Lysandra tears through enemy witches and wyverns one target at a time, but Morath’s aerial legion presses them steadily back toward Orynth.

Manon sees that the Crochan lines are failing and that even the rebel Ironteeth are exhausted. Grieving the Thirteen and recognizing that the open-air fight will destroy them, Manon decides the only chance is to retreat to Orynth’s walls and use the city and mountains defensively. Manon blows her horn, ordering the witches to fall back.

At the western gate, Aedion fights on the battlements as Morath’s battering ram pounds the ancient doors toward collapse. Civilians flee to the castle, while soldiers gather behind the gate for what appears to be the final defense. Lysandra shifts back near Aedion and asks where Manon’s forces should be stationed, but Aedion realizes there may be no strategy left—only defeat.

As the gate begins to buckle and Valg soldiers continue pouring over the battlements, Aedion prepares to make his last stand below. He kisses Lysandra and tells her he loves her; Lysandra returns the vow, and they promise to find each other in whatever life comes after this. Together, Aedion and Lysandra turn toward the stairs leading down to the gate and almost certain death.

Before Aedion and Lysandra can descend, a horn sounds from the south. It is not Morath’s horn. Beyond the enemy ranks, a vast army in golden armor appears along the foothills, joined by ruk riders filling the sky. At their head, sword raised and riding the Lord of the North, is Aelin, turning the defenders’ final despair into sudden hope.