Nesryn and Sartaq return to the Eridun aerie after the battle, where the arrival of Falkan in spider form nearly causes the ruks to attack him. Houlun protects Falkan, Sartaq greets Kadara and embraces Borte, and Yeran explains that Borte persuaded him to join her dangerous rescue mission. Borte and Yeran’s hostile betrothal shows signs of softening, though both continue to mask it with barbs.

Sartaq nearly collapses from his wounds, and Nesryn catches him. As Falkan shifts back into human form across the hall, Nesryn is overwhelmed by the realization that Sartaq survived. Sartaq comforts Nesryn, and the two hold each other after the terror of nearly losing one another.

Two days later, the Council of Clans gathers at dawn. Nesryn, standing beside Sartaq, tells the assembled hearth-mothers and captains what she and Sartaq learned in the Pass of Dagul: the northern war is not merely against men but against demons, and Erawan and Maeve threaten the world. Sartaq refuses to force the clans, but asks any who will follow him to fly under the khagan’s banner, then leaves them to debate.

In a private room, Sartaq goes to find food while Nesryn speaks with the recovering Falkan. Nesryn asks whether Falkan will come north with them, then tells him that Lysandra may be the long-lost niece he has searched for. Falkan breaks down weeping, and despite the uncertainty of the identification, he agrees to go to war and seek his last remaining family.

After word arrives that the clans have made their decision, Nesryn, Sartaq, and Falkan head toward the hall. Before they can learn the outcome, a messenger brings Nesryn a letter in Chaol’s handwriting. Chaol begs Nesryn to return to Antica immediately, and because Chaol rarely asks for help, Nesryn and Sartaq understand that something is gravely wrong; Nesryn’s only question is how soon they can fly.