As Aelin and the wounded Aedion try to escape the palace garden, Dorian appears, but Aelin immediately recognizes that the Valg prince controls him. The demon attacks with black power, and Aelin’s blood-and-ink Wyrdmarks protect her only temporarily. Aedion refuses to leave, so Aelin takes back the Sword of Orynth and confronts Dorian, begging for any sign that her friend remains inside.

When Dorian shows only hatred and threatens to destroy everything Aelin loves, Aelin traps him with a quick Wyrdmark drawn in her own blood. Believing that killing Dorian may be necessary to protect Terrasen and spare him from the demon, Aelin raises the Sword of Orynth. Before Aelin can strike, Nesryn shoots the blade aside and threatens to kill Aedion if Aelin harms Dorian, revealing that Arobynn warned Chaol Aelin would try to kill the prince.

With the ward failing, Aelin abandons the attempt, grabs Aedion, and runs. They reach a Wyrdmarked wall where allies help them over while archers hold off pursuers. Aelin disguises herself and Aedion in cloaks, supports Aedion through the streets, and pretends they are drunk revelers until they reach Lysandra’s hired carriage.

Inside the carriage, Lysandra helps hide Aedion in a luggage compartment and rapidly transforms Aelin into a respectable lady with a dress, gloves, jewelry, and fan. Royal guards stop and inspect the carriage, insult Lysandra, and search the rear compartment, but they miss Aedion. After the danger passes, Aelin and Aedion transfer to another carriage with Chaol, while Lysandra stays behind to follow later.

Chaol helps Aelin bring Aedion safely back to the warehouse apartment, where Lysandra cleans and stitches Aedion’s wound. After bathing, Aelin faces Chaol’s anger. Chaol accuses Aelin of lying and trying to kill Dorian, while Aelin insists she gave Dorian a dangerous chance and that the possessed prince is gone; she tells Chaol he must decide whom he serves, then orders him to take watch on the roof.

After Chaol leaves, Lysandra confronts Aelin over the word “queen.” Aelin admits her true identity, explaining that she kept it secret until Aedion was safe. Lysandra is hurt but understands the stakes, and the tension eases when Lysandra comments on Aedion’s resemblance to Aelin, restoring a measure of trust and humor between them.