A few hours after Lysandra’s abduction, Aelin, Rowan, Aedion, Nesryn, and Chaol regroup in a poor inn across Rifthold and study the meeting site near the temple of Temis in Oakwald. The temple’s ravine and two footbridges make it defensible, and the group expects wyverns and witches to arrive under cover of darkness before the royal meeting.

The group prepares weapons and plans around the priority of rescuing Lysandra from the wagon. Evangeline has been left with Nesryn’s father, along with letters for Terrasen and the Bane, giving the child safety while the others face the possibility that none of them will return.

Chaol worries that Lysandra may have a Valg collar or ring, while Aedion bluntly suggests removing a head or finger if necessary. Aelin insists no one makes that decision without her. When Dorian is mentioned, Chaol warns Aelin not to touch him, and Aelin proposes painting everyone in Wyrdmarks to guard against the Valg prince possessing Dorian.

Rowan directs the rescue plan with battlefield precision: they will not engage the king or Dorian unless they can kill the king and neutralize the prince with minimal risk, and they will arrive shortly before the meeting to avoid being scented by witches. After Chaol and Nesryn leave to get food, Aelin, Rowan, and Aedion discuss Lorcan, Gavriel, Maeve, and the possibility of surviving Fae in Oakwald, though Aedion believes the king’s destruction left little hope.

That night, Rowan continues planning while Aelin struggles with fear that Lysandra may already be lost. In bed, Aelin admits she cannot bury another friend, and Rowan reassures her. Their intimate exchange deepens their bond and briefly distracts Aelin from the coming danger, leaving her steadier because she is not facing tomorrow alone.