Chaol arrives in the sewers in time to see Celaena kill Archer after Archer begs for his life. Celaena’s emptiness frightens Chaol for a moment, but her expression shifts into exhaustion and sorrow. She takes the black book Archer dropped and tells Chaol that she owes him an explanation.

Back in Celaena’s rooms, Celaena refuses treatment until Fleetfoot’s injured leg is tended. Dorian and Chaol are also examined by the healer, though the healer asks no questions about the blood, wounds, or strange circumstances. Celaena dismisses Dorian with a promise to come to his rooms later, leaving Dorian aware that her bond with Chaol remains central despite everything that has happened.

After bathing away Archer’s blood, Celaena speaks privately with Chaol. Celaena explains that her great-grandmother was Fae and that she inherited the ability to shift between human and Fae forms, though magic’s disappearance ten years earlier took that ability from her in Erilea. Celaena also explains that the other world still held magic, which is why she shifted there and lost control, and she recounts her study of Wyrdmarks, Elena’s role, Cain, and her attempt to open a portal to see Nehemia, while withholding information about the Wyrdkeys and her suspicions about the king.

Celaena then reveals Archer’s full betrayal: Archer hired Grave while disguised as Councilman Mullison, planted the anonymous threat against Nehemia, arranged Chaol’s kidnapping, and intended Celaena to blame Chaol for Nehemia’s death. Although Celaena now knows Chaol was not responsible, Celaena admits she still cannot trust him or forget his choice to keep information from her. Chaol tries to move toward reconciliation, but Celaena stops him before he can confess his feelings and leaves to prepare Archer’s body for the king, breaking down only once she is hidden in the passage.

Alone, Chaol realizes Celaena has withheld more secrets and understands how dangerous the palace is for someone with Fae blood. Determined to protect Celaena without exposing her identity, Chaol goes to his father and proposes sending the King’s Champion to Wendlyn to assassinate its royal family and steal naval plans. Chaol’s true motive is to get Celaena to Wendlyn, the last stronghold of the Fae, and in exchange for his father’s political support, Chaol agrees to resign as Captain and return to Anielle.