Elide panics as the boat leaves the cave shore and enters a pitch-black subterranean river passage. The Little Folk have prepared a lantern filled with pale blue glowing worms, which gives the travelers just enough light while unseen serpentine creatures pull the boat through the ancient caverns.

Elide asks how long the journey to the coast will take. Rowan explains that the passage is slow and uncertain, and Gavriel adds that traveling aboveground would take three weeks or more, so several days underground is likely the better route. Aelin remains silent at the back of the boat with Fenrys near her feet, having packed away Mab’s crown as if it were ordinary gear.

Elide notices Lorcan sitting nearer to her than he has in weeks. She thinks about his attempt to save Aelin on the beach and his role in helping Aelin escape, but also remembers that his earlier decision to summon Maeve brought about Aelin’s capture. Elide understands Lorcan acted to save her, yet she cannot ignore that Aelin’s silence and trauma are partly the cost of that choice.

As the cavern narrows and Elide’s fear rises again, Lorcan quietly tells her the low passage is likely only a pass-through to a larger cavern. Elide does not answer, but she feels a flicker of gratitude. The group continues in tense silence through the darkness.

The perspective shifts to Aelin, who reflects that Rowan’s fake collar was not real, but Maeve’s summoned army is. Aelin also thinks of Dorian and Manon pursuing the final Wyrdkey; if Dorian obtains all three keys, he might choose to forge the Lock himself. Aelin trusts Dorian, but the possibility hurts because she believes the sacrifice should be hers to make.

The underground darkness presses on Aelin and reminds her of the iron coffin and of the darkness now within herself. Her power stirs, but Aelin refuses to acknowledge it, knowing she is not ready. Remembering her mother’s command not to yield, Aelin decides she will force herself to seem whole for her companions and the world, presenting the image of the unbroken Fire-Bringer even if, for now, it is a lie.