Aelin meets Chaol in the sewers as he and his rebel allies carry two nearly unconscious prisoners toward escape. The prisoners show the drained look of Valg victims, revealing that the king’s forces are not merely using ordinary Valg soldiers but are connected to stronger demonic forces in Rifthold. Chaol orders his scout, Nesryn Faliq, to escort the others to the docks, though Nesryn distrusts Aelin and questions whether Aelin serves the king.

Chaol and Aelin walk through the tunnels while Chaol explains that the rebels have been rescuing former magic-wielders and dormant magic carriers from the sewers, where black-ringed guards hold and torment them before execution. He says ordinary humans are ignored by the Valg, which is why he and Nesryn can enter the tunnels, and reveals that Ren Allsbrook helped discover the danger before Chaol sent him north to rally Terrasen’s rebels. Chaol also tells Aelin that Fleetfoot is safe at Nesryn’s father’s country house.

After Aelin secretly follows Chaol to the docks and watches the rescued victims sent away by boat, Chaol recounts what happened after Aelin left: his alliance with Aedion, Aedion’s capture, Sorscha’s execution, and Dorian’s sacrifice to get Chaol out of the castle. Chaol says Dorian has not been publicly punished but now wears a black stone torque around his neck. Aelin recognizes it as a Wyrdstone collar and explains that such collars allow Valg demons to possess and feed on powerful hosts, meaning Dorian may be enslaved or already lost.

Aelin then tells Chaol about Terrasen, Wendlyn, the Valg princes, Arobynn’s theft of the Amulet of Orynth, and her plans, but Chaol criticizes her for returning without an army. Their strained reunion turns into a bitter argument: Chaol withholds what he knows about freeing magic because he fears Aelin’s power and unpredictability, while Aelin condemns him for leaving Dorian behind. Chaol returns the Eye of Elena, Aelin returns his old amethyst ring, and they separate without agreeing to work together.

Later, from Chaol’s point of view, Chaol reflects at the rebel headquarters on Aelin’s changes, his lost love for Celaena, and his fear that Aelin could destroy Rifthold if magic returns. Nesryn visits, hears who Aelin truly is, warns Chaol that Aelin caused destruction at the Vaults, and challenges him to consider that personal history may be clouding his judgment. At dawn, Chaol pawns the amethyst ring.

Aelin returns to her old apartment above the warehouse, finds it maintained, and discovers a note showing Ren had been staying there with Chaol’s permission. The apartment’s restored books and unpacked belongings reveal Arobynn’s hand, reminding Aelin of Sam’s death and her own years of survival rather than living. After bathing and reflecting on Chaol’s accusation that she is a monster, Aelin resolves not to let Dorian become another dead loved one and writes to Arobynn, accepting his bargain: one Valg demon in exchange for help rescuing Aedion.