That afternoon, Rhysand finds Cassian and Azriel finally settling into the fourth bedroom of the town house after sleeping on the sitting room couches. Cassian has brought a bag that rattles with weapons, joking that some might be Solstice gifts. The cramped room prompts teasing about the household sleeping arrangements: Mor and Elain have better rooms, Nesta’s old room remains empty, and Lucien may or may not come from Tamlin’s estate.

The conversation shifts to Illyria. Rhysand recalls that the meeting with Devlon and the commanders went as well as possible, with patrols prepared for the storm and Devlon even presenting a schedule for the girls’ training after the weather clears. When Cassian asks about unrest in the camps, Rhysand and Azriel deliberately withhold the full extent of what they know, deciding Cassian deserves a few peaceful days before Solstice.

Rhysand reflects on the danger of a possible Illyrian revolt and the pain it would cause Cassian to fight people he still wants to belong to. Cassian appears willing to postpone the matter and returns to joking about the too-small bed. Rhysand suggests Cassian might eventually need a place of his own in Velaris, but keeps back the implication because Nesta has made clear she wants no closeness with Cassian.

That evening, Solstice Eve settles over Velaris while snow falls gently and the storm rages in the Illyrian Mountains. The Inner Circle gathers in the sitting room with wine and firelight. Rhysand admires Feyre in her midnight-blue gown until Amren sharply tells him to control his scent; Varian, visiting from the Summer Court, witnesses the exchange with amusement.

Cassian needles Varian about whether the Summer Court celebrates Solstice, leading to banter about seasonal celebrations and a possible invitation for Tarquin. Mor says she prefers the holiday to be just their circle, then amends the statement to include Varian. Elain enters at eight and refuses wine, while Feyre realizes Nesta is not coming that night. Rhysand comforts Feyre through the bond and raises a toast to old and new family, beginning the Solstice festivities despite the absences.