Chapter 13: Nahri

Nahri spends the night lancing and healing metallic boils as the silver poison hardens under Ali’s skin, finally stabilizing him. Examining his body, she is shaken by extensive scars from his marid ordeal. She updates Hatset, Ghassan, Muntadhir, and Zaynab, admits ignorance of the poison, and warns Ali must rest.

In the infirmary, Nahri confronts Nisreen for minimizing Ali’s past injuries and dismissing Nahri’s memories of the boat. Nisreen counters that Ali’s condition had been monstrous and dangerous, insisting his friendship is a risk. Distrusting her, Nahri forces Nisreen to taste the tonic and receives no leads on the poisoner.

Nahri overhears Hatset and Ghassan’s searing argument: Hatset condemns sending Ali to Am Gezira and warns that Daeva “peace” masks future revenge through Nahri and the Pramukhs; Ghassan accuses Hatset of undermining him and threatens exile. Shaken, Nahri returns to Ali.

Nahri rouses Ali and administers the tonic. Ali despairs over yet another attempt on his life and grieves the slain cupbearer. When Nahri moves to leave, Ali confesses he knew the Guard would ambush Dara on the boat, claiming duty and fear of Dara’s wartime atrocities. He denies intending the marid’s mark and recounts the marid showing visions of Daevabad’s destruction and Dara transforming into something like an ifrit.

Pressed on why he returned, Ali gives a thin excuse about escorting cargo for a cousin, deflecting further. Spotting her medical books, he changes the subject, but Nahri recognizes an opportunity: he knows the shafit quarters and owes her his life. She resolves to call in that debt to pursue her plans for the hospital.