As the summer solstice plan nears, Rowan recovers from his wounds but remains exhausted and uneasy. Rifthold grows more dangerous as Valg soldiers flood the city, rebels flee, and the king orders three executions a day. When Rowan detects Lorcan nearby, Rowan goes to the roof and finds his former commander waiting.

Lorcan probes for information about Aelin's plan and tries to convince Rowan that Aelin will fail and die. Lorcan argues that Maeve would be terrifyingly powerful if Maeve gained Aelin and a Wyrdkey, then offers the ring that protects against Valg influence in exchange for the Amulet of Orynth. After Lorcan swears the ring is genuine, Rowan trades the amulet for the ring; once Rowan returns to Aelin, Aelin reveals they tricked Lorcan by giving Lorcan a fake amulet containing the Valg commander's ring.

Inside Dorian, the Valg prince has nearly destroyed the last barriers of Dorian's selfhood. Dorian barely remembers ordinary life and surfaces only when the demon feeds on prisoners. The name Manon still remains in Dorian's mind, and the demon reacts with hatred and fear toward the thought of her and her people.

At sunset, Aelin and Chaol meet privately on the roof and confirm that Chaol is ready for the next day's mission. They finally speak honestly about their past: Chaol says he does not regret sending Aelin to Wendlyn, Aelin admits their love and friendship mattered, and both apologize for the pain surrounding Nehemia and their separation. Aelin encourages Chaol toward Nesryn, promises to make Dorian's death quick if it becomes necessary, and tells Chaol that if more pain awaits them, then it is not truly the end.

After meeting the remaining rebels, Chaol and Nesryn visit the Sea God's temple. Nesryn speaks of her family's ties to the Southern Continent and her uncertainty about where home is. Moved by Aelin's earlier words and unwilling to waste the calm before battle, Chaol takes Nesryn's hand and suggests they find that answer together after the conflict; in the temple of the God of Oaths, Nesryn asks Chaol to promise he will walk out of the castle alive, and Chaol promises.

That night, Rowan reviews the dangerous plan: he and Aedion will carry hellfire through the sewers to destroy the clock tower while Aelin and Chaol take the most dangerous role in the castle. Aelin, frightened by the odds but refusing to face the night with only fear, comes to Rowan and asks for reassurance that they will stay together whatever happens. Rowan promises that wherever they go, they go together; Aelin kisses Rowan once, tells Rowan that he makes her want to live, and Rowan holds Aelin through the night.