After spending the morning together, Yrene and Chaol discuss Hafiza’s possible Wyrdmark books and the chance that the texts might contain crucial knowledge about the Valg and the Fae healers’ ancient work. Chaol tells Yrene more about Aelin’s history, Dorian’s possession, the Valg collar, and the destruction of the glass castle.

Yrene asks how the former king was freed from the Valg demon, and Chaol explains that Aelin and Dorian burned it out of him before the king died. This confirms Yrene’s growing theory: the Valg are like parasites or infections, entering through rings or collars, feeding on hosts, and exerting control from within.

Yrene connects that realization to Chaol’s healing and to her own emotional wounds, recognizing that hatred and fear had also fed on her like parasites. Because she understands the Valg darkness as something treatable, Yrene concludes that her healing gift may be able to purge possessed victims and potentially free those enslaved by Erawan’s rings and collars.

Chaol realizes this may be why Erawan’s agent has been hunting Yrene: if healers learn how to cure Valg possession, Erawan’s armies could be undone. Their discussion then turns to Athril’s legendary ring of immunity, which Maeve coveted. Chaol recalls symbols connected to Athril, an owl, and the hidden clues in Aelin’s past, leading Yrene and Chaol to suspect that the ring was made not by Mala but by Silba, goddess of healing.

Yrene urges Chaol to go to Hafiza and examine the ancient books for evidence of what Fae healers once knew. Before they can leave, Hasar enters and announces news from the north: Maeve’s armada has found Aelin Galathynius’s assembled host, and a major battle has taken place.