A week after Aelin’s coronation, Terrasen’s allies gather in the castle courtyard to say farewell. Aelin has asked everyone to remain through winter, but nearly all choose to leave at once. The Ironteeth and Crochans depart before dawn for the west, while the khaganate royals, rukhin, Darghan, and healers prepare to return south.

The good-byes are emotional and wide-ranging. Aelin shares a long farewell with Nesryn, and Yrene breaks down while parting from the healers before saying good-bye to Elide, Lorcan, Lysandra, Aedion, Ren, Fenrys, Rowan, and Aelin. Ansel, Ilias and the Silent Assassins, and Prince Galan also leave, while Rolfe and Falkan Ennar remain in Terrasen for the winter.

The final and hardest farewell is with Chaol, Yrene, and Dorian. Yrene promises Rowan and Aelin that she will come when their first child is near to help with the birth. Aelin and Yrene acknowledge how far they have come since Innish, then Aelin embraces Chaol and Dorian, tells them she loves them, and wishes Chaol and Yrene happiness. Dorian says they will rebuild the world together before he, Chaol, and Yrene ride south toward Adarlan.

Afterward, Rowan stays with Aelin on the battlements as Aelin watches the departing riders vanish over the damaged Plain of Theralis. Rowan reflects on the tattoos he, Fenrys, Lorcan, and Aedion received in Gavriel’s memory. Aedion’s grief remains raw, but Rowan has begun honoring Gavriel by telling Aedion stories of the Lion’s life.

With the farewells over, Aelin asks to spend the day crying in bed before beginning the work of rebuilding. Rowan comforts and teases Aelin, thinking with gratitude of the life they now get to build in Terrasen. Together, Aelin and Rowan return inside their castle, promising to rebuild the kingdom and the world side by side, “to whatever end.”