Before sunrise, Rowan wakes Aelin with news that someone has broken into the warehouse. Rowan, Aelin, and Aedion prepare for an ambush, but they find Evangeline collapsed on the stair landing, terrified and sobbing.

Evangeline tells Aelin that the king’s men came for Lysandra with a letter from Arobynn. The letter claimed Arobynn’s will had revealed Lysandra’s bloodline, exposing her as a shape-shifter. Lysandra fought the men and made Evangeline run, but Clarisse refused to help, and the men took Lysandra away.

Aelin realizes Arobynn arranged this as a final act of cruelty, knowing about Lysandra and about Lysandra’s friendship with Aelin. Rowan comforts Evangeline while silently warning Aelin that they must leave the warehouse quickly until they know whether Arobynn also betrayed Aelin’s location. Aelin decides Nesryn’s father can shelter Evangeline for the day.

Chaol and Nesryn arrive with urgent news from one of Ren’s men: a meeting is planned for the next day in Oakwald between the king, Dorian, and the Wing Leader of the aerial cavalry. A new prisoner is also being transported to Morath, making it clear Lysandra is in immediate danger.

Aelin begs Chaol and Nesryn to enter the tunnels and rescue Lysandra at once, arguing that as humans they may avoid immediate notice. Chaol suggests setting up an ambush instead, but Aelin, haunted by memories of what the Valg did to her, fears they may already be feeding on Lysandra. Nesryn promises they will save Lysandra together, and Chaol, seeing Aelin’s fear and guilt, vows, “Never again.”