Dorian and Rowan have spent two weeks in Skull’s Bay without gaining an audience with Rolfe. Dorian struggles with the oppressive heat while Rowan pushes him through morning magic practice, runs, and punishing combat training. Fenrys and Gavriel sometimes join, though Rowan drives them away when Dorian’s trauma from Sorscha’s death and the Valg collar becomes too visible.

In the afternoons, Dorian and Rowan search the city for intelligence while watching Rolfe’s men and being watched in return. They learn that Rolfe’s armada is depleted after the Valg attack and that Rifthold remains under witch control, with strange soldiers and beasts arriving by ship from the Ferian Gap. Dorian also finds no news of his mother, Queen Georgina, or his brother Hollin.

Rowan pieces together a larger threat: Erawan has divided Adarlan’s fleet across the Gulf of Oro, Eyllwe’s coast, and Melisande’s ports. This reveals that Dorian’s past council meetings were likely a distraction while Morath prepared for war. If Erawan moves those forces, he could devastate coastal cities and push toward Orynth.

Tired of waiting for Rolfe, Dorian devises a ruse. He has Rowan send a letter that is secretly delivered back to Dorian, then performs shock, fear, and anger for Rolfe’s spies while allowing a servant to overhear that the information could change the war. The bait works, and Rolfe summons Dorian, Rowan, Fenrys, and Gavriel to the Sea Dragon tavern.

As Rolfe leads them to his office, Dorian realizes the pirate lord has taken the bait and will now be forced into the meeting. Rolfe opens the door expecting answers, but instead everyone finds Aelin Galathynius already seated at his desk. Dirty, armed, and grinning, Aelin announces her return by mocking Rolfe’s office.