Aedion Ashryver lies imprisoned in a damp, rotting cell and knows death is close. As a warrior and general, Aedion once imagined dying honorably in battle, but now expects either a public execution arranged by the king or a slower death from infection.

Aedion’s wound began during the violence three weeks earlier, when Sorscha was murdered and Aedion fought back. Aedion hid the cut along his ribs from the guards because Aedion hoped blood loss or infection would kill him before the king could use Aedion as bait for Aelin.

Aedion understands that his planned execution is a trap meant to lure Aelin into trying to save him. Determined not to endanger Aelin, Aedion conceals his fever and weakness from the guards by pretending that captivity has broken his spirit.

The guards feed and water Aedion but keep their distance, unaware that Aedion has stopped trying to snap his chains and can barely stand. Aedion is relieved he has not been fitted with a Wyrdstone collar, though Aedion remembers seeing one near the king’s throne and suspects it was meant for the king’s son.

As the infection worsens, Aedion’s diluted Fae blood keeps him alive longer than an ordinary human, but Aedion knows it will soon fail. Aedion welcomes death as a release and hopes it reaches him before Aelin does.