Throne of Glass, #4
Queen of Shadows
by Sarah J. Maas
Contents
Chapter 37
Overview
Dorian, still possessed, is forced to witness the king's dungeon tortures while unable to intervene. The Valg demon inside him feeds on the prisoners' pain, growing stronger and deepening Dorian's helplessness.
The chapter underscores the brutality of the king's rule and the increasing danger of the demon holding Dorian captive.
Summary
In the glass castle dungeons, Dorian remains trapped inside his own body while the Valg demon possessing him forces him to walk past cells and torture racks. The suffering prisoners seem familiar to Dorian, but the possession clouds his memory so he cannot hold on to their names.
The king orders the demon to observe the interrogations, though the king asks the prisoners no questions. Day after day, Dorian is made to witness men scream, cry, remain silent, or show defiance under torture.
One young, handsome prisoner recognizes Dorian and begs him for mercy, insisting he knows nothing. Dorian can do nothing to help, forced to watch as the dungeon fills with blood, burned flesh, and despair.
The demon feeds on the prisoners' agony and grows stronger from it. Dorian preserves the horror in memory as another burden while the demon continues returning him to the dungeons.
Who Appears
- Dorian Havilliardpossessed prince; helplessly witnesses prisoners tortured in the castle dungeons.
- Valg demonentity controlling Dorian; feeds on prisoners' suffering and grows stronger.
- King of Adarlanorders Dorian's demon to observe dungeon tortures without asking prisoners questions.
- Unnamed prisonersmen tortured in the dungeons; one recognizes Dorian and begs for mercy.