Aelin fights through a throbbing head and overheated blood after drawing too much power too quickly. In Fae form on the glass bridge, she holds off Dorian’s repeated attacks by smashing his darkness aside with walls of flame, while Athril’s ring continues burning into Dorian’s hand.

The King of Adarlan appears in the doorway and mocks Chaol’s attempt to buy Aelin time to save Dorian. When Aelin accuses the king of killing Chaol, the king confirms the captain failed to wound him and cruelly says his only regret is not taking more time.

The king advances with Nothung, but Dorian abruptly reacts to the mention of Chaol. Dorian asks what the king said and whether the king killed Chaol, and the ring on Dorian’s hand burns brighter even though the Wyrdstone collar remains around Dorian’s neck.

When the king tries to command Dorian and sends darkness at Aelin, the attack shatters against a wall of ice. Dorian’s true self surfaces: Dorian Havilliard, Crown Prince of Adarlan, remembers Aelin as his friend and recognizes that she came back for him.

With the demon inside Dorian screaming and bargaining, Dorian seizes the Wyrdstone collar. Driven by grief, rage, and pain, Dorian breaks the collar from his neck.