Throne of Glass, #5
Empire of Storms
by Sarah J. Maas
Contents
CHAPTER 45
Overview
Aedion’s watch aboard the ship reveals simmering tensions: Dorian’s fascination with Manon, Aelin’s fury over Elide’s abandonment, and Aedion’s unresolved bitterness toward Gavriel. Dorian presses Aelin to loosen Manon’s captivity, forcing Aelin to balance distrust with political necessity and her need for information about Morath.
The chapter ends with a major shock when Manon senses something wrong about Fenrys and declares he is not who Dorian says he is. Fenrys attacks just as Manon reacts, turning a guarded release into a sudden threat aboard the ship.
Summary
Aedion notes that Manon is lucid, furious, and still chained, while Dorian’s scent in her cabin makes Aedion question the king’s attraction to the witch. Lysandra tells Aedion that grief can drive people toward dangerous distractions, and Aedion admits he wants no part in whatever is developing between Dorian and Manon.
Aedion reflects on Manon’s revelations about Elide: Vernon’s abuse, Elide’s maimed foot, her imprisonment in Perranth, and her current search for Aelin. Aelin has already punished Manon for abandoning Elide, striking Manon and threatening her with fire until Manon swore the information was true. Aedion also worries about reaching the Stone Marshes and whether Rolfe’s promised alliance will hold.
Lysandra urges Aedion to stop avoiding Gavriel, but Aedion insists he has no interest in speaking to his father. Aedion watches Gavriel study Abraxos, Fenrys take up watch, and Lysandra move among the others after patrolling the sea. Aedion also admires Lysandra’s weapons training while trying to suppress his growing attachment to her.
After Aelin and Rowan finish sparring, Dorian asks Aelin to let Manon out of confinement. Aelin challenges Dorian over his midnight visit to Manon and argues that Manon is too dangerous to trust, but Dorian counters that he is a king and that Manon risked herself in Rifthold. Aelin, recognizing the need to preserve Dorian’s friendship and alliance, compromises: Manon may leave her room only under strict guard, with wrist shackles but no room chains.
Aelin leads Rowan, Dorian, Fenrys, and the others toward Manon’s cabin, partly because Aelin wants more information from Manon about Morath and Erawan. On the way, Aelin and Rowan share a private, charged exchange through their bond, briefly distracting Aelin before they reach the room.
Inside, Manon immediately focuses on Fenrys and asks who he is. Dorian identifies Fenrys as a sworn warrior of Queen Maeve, but Manon scents him and flatly says he is not. Manon’s iron nails flash out an instant before Fenrys strikes, ending the chapter in sudden violence.
Who Appears
- Aedion AshryverPOV figure; worries over Elide, Dorian, Gavriel, Lysandra, and shipboard tensions.
- Aelin Galathyniusangry over Elide’s fate; compromises with Dorian to use Manon for information.
- Manon Blackbeakcaptive witch; reveals Elide’s history and detects something false about Fenrys.
- Dorian Havilliarddefends Manon and asserts kingly authority to secure looser confinement for her.
- Rowan Whitethornsupports Aelin, spars with her, and helps manage the dispute over Manon.
- Lysandrapatrols the sea, advises Aedion, and continues weapons training with the group.
- FenrysMaeve’s warrior on watch; identified by Manon as false before suddenly attacking.
- GavrielAedion’s father; studies Abraxos and calmly warns Dorian against provoking Rowan.
- AbraxosManon’s wyvern; remains aboard, guarded and observed near the prow.
- Elide Lochanabsent but central; Manon’s revelations intensify Aelin and Aedion’s concern.