Feyre wakes on Solstice morning with a hangover and finds Rhys beside her with birthday gifts. He gives Feyre a black leather sketchbook monogrammed with Feyre's initials, a soft blue scarf, and a leather satchel filled with art supplies. The gifts show Rhys understands Feyre's new need for art more than jewels or luxury.

Feyre kisses Rhys in thanks and asks to draw Rhys as Feyre's birthday present to herself. Rhys obliges, and Feyre spends the morning filling the new sketchbook with intimate drawings of Rhys, including Rhys's wings, tattoos, eyes, and body.

Later, Feyre and Rhys go downstairs to breakfast, where the town house is quiet after the previous night's drinking. Azriel and Cassian arrive in Illyrian leathers, grinning, and drag Rhys away before Rhys can object. Rhys explains only that it is “Tradition,” leaving Feyre to enjoy a rare quiet meal alone.

With the rest of the house still sleeping or preparing food, Feyre returns to paperwork and considers whether to use the money now available to her to buy the studio. Feyre sees that the purchase is financially possible, but hesitates because it feels lavish, even though the studio would not be only for herself. Feyre sets the decision aside because Solstice is meant for family.

Feyre goes looking for one of Feyre's sisters and finds Elain carrying trays of beautiful pastries and desserts. Elain has been baking since dawn with Nuala and Cerridwen, and Feyre recognizes how much their companionship and shared work have helped Elain regain purpose and normalcy.

Elain asks whether Feyre has heard from Nesta, but before Feyre can answer, someone knocks at the door. Elain rushes to open it, expecting or hoping for Nesta, but instead finds Lucien standing outside in the cold, offering them a tense Solstice greeting.