The Valg demon inside Dorian regains control when the king returns with the collar’s power, forcing Dorian back into torment and memory. Even as Dorian is buried under pain, Manon’s golden eyes and name remain in his mind, tied to her command that he find her again and to the possibility of death or release.

Chaol, desperate not to let the king take Dorian back to the castle, follows with the intention of killing Dorian before the chance is lost. Instead of reaching the king’s party, Chaol breaks into a meadow and finds Manon, the Thirteen, and their wyverns. Manon captures Chaol, and when Aelin, Rowan, and Aedion arrive after tracking him, the witches threaten to turn Chaol over to the king.

Aelin tries to defuse the standoff by offering herself as a more valuable prize. She names herself Aelin Galathynius, Queen of Terrasen, which catches Manon’s attention. Manon assesses Aelin, Rowan, and Aedion, weighing the danger of fighting them against the value of handing Aelin to the king, but Manon’s growing turmoil over Morath and her grandmother’s approval of the breeding program makes her choose to avoid the battle.

As Manon releases Chaol and prepares to leave, Aelin deliberately provokes her by mentioning Baba Yellowlegs. Aelin reveals the scars left from that encounter, and Manon recognizes the scent of Witch Killer. Manon attacks, but Aelin’s hidden spell, worked with Chaol’s blood, traps Manon against an invisible barrier and freezes her long enough for Aelin’s group to run.

Aelin, Rowan, Aedion, and Chaol flee through the forest toward a ravine crossed by two narrow bridges and a ruined temple island. They cross one at a time while the witches pursue with unnatural speed. Manon reaches the first bridge just after Rowan, while a golden-haired witch fires on Aelin from across the ravine; Rowan throws himself in front of Aelin, and the arrow pierces his shoulder.