Dorian watches Rowan react violently to the sudden arrival of two Fae males, Fenrys and Gavriel, former members of Rowan’s cadre. Rowan identifies them as blood-sworn servants of Maeve, while Dorian senses the dangerous combined power of the ancient Fae. Gavriel asks whether Aelin is with Rowan, and Rowan states that his queen is not in their company.

At Rolfe’s tavern, Gavriel reveals that Maeve’s armada is sailing for Eyllwe. Fenrys and Gavriel do not know Maeve’s purpose, but Fenrys suggests Maeve now withholds information because Rowan and Lorcan have both defied her. The news alarms Rowan and Dorian because Eyllwe matters to Aelin and because Maeve’s motives are clearly not charitable.

Rolfe needles Rowan about Aelin’s expected arrival, citing rumors of Aelin’s victory in Wendlyn and Rowan’s role beside her. Rowan insists Aelin is not coming, but Rolfe refuses to believe him. After Rowan warns that Morath would eventually destroy Rolfe’s freedom and trade, Rolfe remains angry but allows Rowan to send messages, stay in Skull’s Bay, and reconvene once Aelin arrives.

Rowan brings Dorian, Fenrys, and Gavriel to rooms at the Ocean Rose while privately struggling with the strain of maintaining magical shields. In the secured room, Fenrys taunts Rowan and Dorian, while Gavriel explains that Maeve has given them a way to conceal their scents. Rowan demands to know why Maeve’s warriors are really in Skull’s Bay.

The conversation turns to Fenrys’s twin, Connall, who remains in Maeve’s power as leverage over Fenrys. Gavriel then asks about Lorcan, and Rowan admits he has seen Lorcan but does not know where he is. Gavriel finally reveals that Fenrys and Gavriel were not sent because of the armada: Maeve ordered them to hunt Lorcan, not to capture him, but to kill him.