Celaena visits Kaltain in the freezing dungeon and finds her living in filth, with little food, moldy hay, and no comfort. Celaena asks what Kaltain knows about Roland Havilliard, and Kaltain warns that Roland cannot be trusted, though Kaltain tries to bargain for release before saying more.

When Celaena threatens to enter the cell, Kaltain panics and reveals bruises around her wrists. Kaltain explains that the night watch looks away when Perrington visits her. Celaena, moved despite her hatred for Kaltain, apologizes and resolves to tell Chaol so the abuse will stop.

Kaltain drifts into disjointed warnings, saying her headaches are worsening and filled with the sound of crows, though Celaena hears nothing in the underground dungeon. Celaena gives Kaltain her cloak for warmth. Kaltain then says she believes she was brought to the castle not to marry Perrington but to be used for some unknown purpose, adding that something is coming and she is meant to greet it.

After leaving the dungeon, Celaena tries to follow Archer but is forced back by a severe snowstorm. The next morning, with the snow too deep for her usual run with Chaol, Celaena has breakfast in bed with Nehemia and Fleetfoot. Nehemia is outraged by Kaltain’s treatment, and Celaena says she already told Chaol, who has handled the dungeon guard.

Nehemia reflects that Adarlan’s courts have lost honor and contrasts them with Terrasen’s fallen court, which her father believed was strong enough to threaten Adarlan if it ever rose again. Celaena grows uncomfortable and deflects the conversation. Nehemia then says Roland has been assigned to manage her complaints about Calaculla’s labor camp, and the chapter ends with Celaena remembering that she must prepare for dinner with Archer.