Aelin, Rowan, Aedion, Lysandra, Evangeline, and Fleetfoot ride north for three weeks while avoiding main roads and villages. Aelin does not want to reveal her return to Terrasen until she understands the dangers awaiting her kingdom and finds a safe place for the Wyrdkey hidden in her saddlebag.

Aelin uses magic to mask the Wyrdkey, while Rowan silently checks on her and the amulet. Aelin again wears the Eye of Elena and wonders whether Lorcan is searching for the remaining Wyrdkeys, likely beginning in Morath if the former king told the truth.

Despite the hard travel, Aelin experiences rare happiness among her companions. Evangeline keeps pace without complaint, Lysandra experiments with her shifting forms, and Aelin and Rowan share quiet intimacy, though the group’s constant movement and lack of privacy frustrate Aelin.

As the land grows colder, hillier, and greener, Aedion hints that something lies just beyond a steep hill. When the group reaches the crest, Aelin sees the Staghorn Mountains, Oakwald, rivers, valleys, and wild northern beauty of Terrasen spread before her.

Aedion points out a carved granite boundary stone marking the edge of Terrasen soil. Aelin touches the stone, gives thanks to Mala Fire-Bringer, steps past the marker, and finally returns home as Aelin Ashryver Galathynius.