Celaena wakes in her own bed after her imprisonment and sedation, immediately understanding that the drugged water is over. In the bright daylight, with her head aching after the dungeon darkness, she feels the full absence of Nehemia: no more breakfasts, no more Wyrdmark lessons, and no more friendship like theirs.

Fleetfoot lies pressed against Celaena, offering quiet comfort, but Celaena wonders whether the dog senses Nehemia’s death too. Celaena reflects that Nehemia was beloved beyond the corrupt court and kingdom, and remembers Nehemia as a soul-friend whose loss makes Celaena’s own continued heartbeat feel absurd.

The Eye of Elena grows warm against Celaena as if trying to console her, but Celaena rejects comfort. Philippa later persuades Celaena to eat and accidentally reveals that Celaena missed Nehemia’s funeral while sedated and hiding from grief in the dungeons.

Crushed by guilt and self-accusation, Celaena repeats Nehemia’s condemnation of cowardice in her mind. Celaena remains in bed that day, and then for several more days, unable or unwilling to face the world after Nehemia’s death.