Dorian flies north from Morath for nearly two days in wyvern form, following the Fangs with Oakwald to his right. When exhaustion, thirst, and hunger force him down, he lands in a snowy clearing, shifts back, thaws a stream with magic, drinks, and feeds himself with predatory ease.

Before continuing toward Aelin and the war in the north, Dorian draws bloody Wyrdmarks and uses Damaris to summon Gavin. Dorian tells the ancient king that he has found the final Wyrdkey and left Morath in chaos, then explains that he wanted Gavin to have a chance to say goodbye to Elena before the Lock is forged.

Gavin understands that forging the Lock may also mean Dorian's death. Dorian admits that Aelin is in the north and that they will decide together who will join the keys, though Dorian hopes Aelin may have found another way to spare both themselves and Elena. Gavin thanks Dorian for even considering that possibility, but both kings recognize how unlikely escape from the sacrifice may be.

Their conversation turns to duty, love, and survival. Gavin says Elena made her choice long ago and urges Dorian not to surrender his own life too easily, because the life Gavin shared with Elena is what now lets Gavin face parting from Elena. Dorian thinks of Sorscha without the old pain, feeling her memory as a challenge to make his life and choices count.

When the sound of thousands of wings approaches, Gavin warns Dorian to leave. Dorian realizes Morath's Ironteeth legion has rallied and is flying north toward Orynth, possibly without Maeve and Erawan but still intent on attacking his allies. Before Gavin fades, Dorian vows to care for Adarlan for whatever time remains, and Damaris warms in approval.

Dorian asks whether he will be able to open such portals after the Wyrdgate is sealed, but Gavin does not know. The two kings exchange bows as Gavin vanishes, and soon afterward Dorian shifts into a lone wyvern, rises from Oakwald, and slips unnoticed into the vast Ironteeth host heading north.