In the dungeons, Aedion is gravely ill from an infected wound and expects to die before his scheduled public execution. Believing death will deny the king the spectacle and possibly protect Aelin, Aedion waits in his cell while the guards assume he is only sleeping.

Dorian enters Aedion’s cell alone, but Aedion immediately understands that the prince has not come to rescue him. The black collar around Dorian’s neck and his cold, inhuman demeanor reveal that Dorian has been enslaved. Aedion calls him by name and tries to reach him by invoking Sorscha, describing her murder and Dorian’s grief in the throne room.

The demon controlling Dorian denies knowing Sorscha, though Aedion senses that the name and memory affect something trapped within the prince. The demon threatens to enjoy Aedion’s execution, then leaves. Instead of allowing Aedion to die, Dorian orders that the general be treated immediately, ensuring he will survive for the public spectacle.

A healer named Amithy is summoned, and Aedion is forcibly treated despite his resistance. His wound is cleaned and bound, tonics are administered, and his shackles are shortened so he cannot tear out the stitches. Aedion curses Death for failing him and silently prays to Mala Light-Bringer that Aelin stay away from the king, the prince, and the Wyrdstone collars.

The perspective shifts to Dorian, whose body is being controlled by a demon prince through the collar. Before the king, Dorian is forced to bow and report everything from his encounter with Aedion. The king realizes Aedion was trying to die to ruin their plans and concludes that Aedion must believe Aelin is likely to come to the execution.

Inside his own mind, Dorian remains aware and horrified, especially after hearing Sorscha’s name, but he is trapped behind a mental barrier while the demon puppets him. The king notes that both Dorian and the demon are still present and regrets not enslaving Dorian earlier. Under the demon’s control, Dorian smiles and declares that serving the king is his pleasure.