Aedion fights aboard one of the allied ships as Maeve’s armada continues to outnumber them despite Rowan’s earlier devastation. Enemy magic-users have grown too alert for Lysandra to safely attack from beneath the sea, so Lysandra battles beside Aedion in ghost leopard form, tearing down Fae warriors who board their ship.

Gavriel, Fenrys, and Lorcan have disappeared from Aedion’s sight, but Gavriel’s golden shield remains wrapped around Aedion and also protects Lysandra. Aedion recognizes that the battle has turned defensive: the allied fleet is being worn down by immortal enemies, superior numbers, and wave after wave of fresh attackers.

During a brief reprieve caused by Rowan’s and Dorian’s magic striking the enemy flank, Aedion orders Lysandra to flee if the battle is lost. Lysandra refuses with her body language, then nuzzles Aedion before returning to the fight. Their exchange underscores Aedion’s fear for Lysandra and Lysandra’s refusal to abandon him.

The assault resumes as Rowan and Dorian unleash ice, wind, and raw power into Maeve’s ships, sinking vessels and drowning armored warriors. Ansel’s left flank holds, but Maeve’s forces still keep coming. Aedion and Lysandra meet the next boarding wave together, killing relentlessly while Gavriel’s shield holds.

The scene shifts to Dorian, who is exhausted and close to magical burnout but continues freezing ships and soldiers alongside Rowan. Aelin and Manon still have not returned, and too many enemy warriors begin breaking past the magical front. After Aedion cries out in pain and Dorian rallies himself for what may be a final strike, a wyvern with shimmering wings dives from the clouds, followed by twelve more, bringing sudden reinforcement against Maeve’s fleet.