Celaena stands in Nehemia’s chamber, staring at Nehemia’s mutilated body on the blood-blackened bed while others rush in and examine the three bodies in the room. Shock overwhelms Celaena, and the reality that Nehemia is gone breaks through everything else: the princess, her friend, and Eyllwe’s hope has been murdered while Celaena was absent.

Dorian comes into Celaena’s view, crying, and Celaena touches his face with bloodied fingers. As grief turns to fury, Celaena thinks that Dorian and Chaol have betrayed both Celaena and Nehemia. Celaena’s hand moves to Dorian’s throat, but Chaol calls Celaena’s name from behind her, drawing Celaena’s attention away from Dorian.

Celaena turns on Chaol because Archer told Celaena that Chaol knew the rebels intended to kill Nehemia. Convinced Chaol allowed Nehemia’s murder to happen, Celaena attacks him. Celaena gouges Chaol’s cheek, draws a dagger, and fights with animal ferocity while Chaol orders his guards to stay back.

Chaol restrains Celaena and tries to reach the woman Chaol knows, telling Celaena that he is her friend. Celaena rejects Chaol completely, declaring that Chaol will never be her friend and will always be her enemy. Celaena breaks one wrist free and drives the dagger toward Chaol’s heart.

Before the blade lands, a sudden chill fills the room and Celaena’s hand stops in midair as if held by an invisible force. While Celaena struggles against it, Ress moves behind Celaena and knocks Celaena unconscious with his sword pommel. Celaena collapses onto Chaol, leaving Chaol emotionally shattered by what has just happened between them.