In the Great Hall, Yrene continues healing the wounded despite exhaustion from destroying Erawan and the strain of pregnancy. Hafiza orders Yrene to rest, reminding her that exhaustion leads to mistakes that cost lives. Their exchange becomes a farewell: Hafiza says the Torre healers will eventually return south, while Yrene will remain in Adarlan with Chaol and their child.

Yrene fears she has disappointed Hafiza by not becoming her heir, but Hafiza insists Yrene has saved them all and will always have a place at the Torre. Yrene then proposes founding a northern Torre Cesme in Rifthold to replace what Erawan destroyed and teach future healers. Hafiza approves, and Yrene looks toward the future with hope.

Near sunrise, Manon remains awake in the aerie with Abraxos, grieving the empty place left by the Thirteen. Bronwen, Glennis, and Petrah bring the final survivor count and then reveal a pale purple flower brought from the Wastes, grown on the plain before the Witch-City. Glennis explains that the curse is broken because Ironteeth and Crochans stood together, iron melted, flowers sprang from blood, and the land witnessed their sacrifice.

Overwhelmed, Manon flies Abraxos to the blasted place where the Thirteen died and lays the flower there in gratitude and love, so Asterin and the others will know their people are going home together. Meanwhile, Aelin and Rowan tour Orynth’s castle and reach the north tower at dawn, joking about covering Erawan’s bloodstain and imagining their future home. Aelin’s court joins them, including Lorcan and Elide, Aedion, Lysandra, Fenrys, and a hesitant Ren, who accepts Aelin after understanding her sacrifice for Terrasen.

Aelin and her companions discuss the work ahead: rebuilding, trade, training magic users, finding Vaughan, and giving Terrasen’s people a voice in how they are governed. Rowan reveals that Maeve’s fall restores his Doranelle wealth and allows him to fund a new library and Royal Theater as mating gifts, moving Aelin to tears. Later, Aelin thanks allies such as Ansel, Galan, Rolfe, and Ilias for answering her call and surviving the war.

At midday, Aelin finds Manon and Abraxos in the witches’ aerie. Seeing Manon’s grief, Aelin does not press her to speak but thanks her and promises a monument on the battlefield for the Thirteen if Manon wishes it. The two queens sit together in silence, sharing the burden of loss while facing the future beyond the ruined field.