Dorian wakes alone in an unfamiliar room, free of the Valg collar but marked by a pale scar and hollowed by what happened. He learns from Aedion that Chaol is alive but not yet awake, then remains in the room, afraid to face the destroyed castle, the dead, and the memories of what the demon prince made him do.

Aelin visits Dorian and finds him unsure whether the kingdom is truly his or whether he deserves to rule. Dorian knows Aelin publicly claimed responsibility for killing the king to protect him from the truth that he destroyed his father with the castle. When Dorian questions his worthiness and fears Perrington’s coming war, Aelin tells him that becoming king is the first necessary step.

Dorian breaks down over Sorscha’s death and his attack on Aelin and Chaol. Aelin insists that the blame belongs to the former king and the Valg prince, not to Dorian, though she knows Dorian is not ready to believe it. When Dorian asks what he should do now, Aelin answers that he must “light up the darkness.”

Later, Chaol wakes and sees Dorian alive, clear-eyed, and free of the collar. Dorian tells Chaol that Aelin saved Rifthold and saved Chaol’s life by putting the Eye of Elena in his pocket. Chaol then realizes he cannot feel his legs, and Dorian explains that the former king broke Chaol’s spine; Rowan healed the worst upper injuries, but only the healers of the Torre Cesme may be able to repair the remaining damage.

Chaol refuses to leave Dorian, but Dorian reassures him that he never truly abandoned him. Nesryn arrives, and Dorian reveals that she is temporarily Captain of the Guard and that Chaol has been made Lord Chaol Westfall, the King’s Hand. After Dorian leaves, Nesryn weeps with relief and determination, promising they will go to the Southern Continent for healing, and Chaol resolves to accept the possibility of recovery and face the journey with her.