Chapter 24: Nahri

Nahri returns to the infirmary to find King Ghassan visiting Sheikh Auda, whose burning illness has advanced catastrophically. Under Nisreen’s direction, Nahri attempts a precise palliative procedure using a deadly copper tube but drives it too deep, and the sheikh dies, leaving Nahri devastated.

The failure erupts into a fierce argument. Nisreen reveals court pressure to fill the infirmary and warns the Qahtanis prefer Nahri weak. Offended by Nahri’s dismissive words about Daeva faith, Nisreen condemns her detachment. Hurt and furious, Nahri storms out and breaks down in her chamber.

Jamshid then arrives with a gravely wounded Alizayd, insisting on secrecy. Despite her fear, Nahri heals Ali’s stab wounds, noting strange water-related effects and using opium and stitches to finish the job. Ali’s shattered demeanor and cryptic comments imply a shafit assailant and a cover-up. Muntadhir arrives, thanks Nahri, and imposes a “sparring accident” story before removing his sleeping brother.

At dawn, the relief of saving Ali crystallizes Nahri’s resolve. She trains obsessively with the copper tube—first on makeshift models, then on her own hand—until she perfects the control she lacked. Accepting that mastery requires time she does not have, she decides to bargain directly with King Ghassan, leaving behind Dara’s dagger as she steels herself for the cost.