Dorian remains hidden in Morath as Maeve arrives to meet Erawan. At first Erawan knows Maeve only as the Queen of Doranelle, but Maeve reveals that she is connected to the Valg kings through Orcus, Erawan's brother, and has been living in a Fae body for millennia. Dorian fears Maeve may have brought Aelin to sell to Erawan, but Maeve instead says Aelin escaped.

Maeve explains that Aelin's freedom has cost Maeve everything: Doranelle has turned against Maeve, Maeve's army and court have refused obedience, and Maeve no longer holds her throne. Erawan confirms that Aelin is in Anielle, where Aelin has spent great power. Dorian is relieved to learn Aelin is alive and free, but he also understands Maeve now intends to ally with Erawan to destroy Brannon's bloodline permanently.

To prove Maeve can offer Erawan something valuable, Maeve opens a portal and summons one of the kharankui, the spiders of the southern continent. Maeve reveals these spiders are her loyal handmaidens, distinct from the stygian spiders. Maeve proposes that instead of seeking human hosts for the remaining Valg princesses, Erawan should place the princesses into the immortal, powerful kharankui, who willingly accept the honor.

Erawan considers Maeve's offer while also revealing his greater ambition: he has built his forces not only to conquer Erilea, but to bring his brothers back and impress them with what he has made. Maeve answers that Erawan can tell Orcus she grew tired of waiting and would rather have joined him. Erawan does not accept the alliance immediately, but allows Maeve to remain as his guest while he decides.

Dorian follows Maeve by hiding in the shadows of Maeve's cloak as guards escort Maeve to a tower room. Once alone, Maeve reveals she has known Dorian was spying in his small animal form. When Dorian tries to escape, Maeve pins Dorian's tail, smothers Dorian's magic with dark power, and identifies Dorian as the King of Adarlan.