Hiding in an Autumn Court cave, Lucien confronts Feyre for planning Tamlin’s downfall, hurt she didn’t consider how the Spring Court’s collapse would affect him. Feyre defends her actions and claims humiliating Tamlin is wiser than alienating the other courts by killing him.

Still under the effects of faebane, Feyre can’t use her magic to winnow (teleport) or communicate with Rhysand. She insists they head due north through Beron’s lands, though Lucien cautions against it. As they forage from the land, Lucien shares how he once lived among his father’s subjects but that the Autumn Court lesser fae (a catchall term for faerie species other than High Fae) would now likely surrender him to Beron. Lucien once loved a lesser fae woman who was murdered by his father and brothers. Near the border of the Winter Court, Lucien thanks Feyre for stopping Ianthe’s assault. The next day, Feyre is shaken awake in the cave where they slept; Lucien’s brothers have found them.

Eris, Lucien’s oldest brother and presumed heir to the Autumn Court, holds a knife to Feyre’s throat. Feeling their magic returning, Feyre and Lucien make the cave collapse and narrowly escape. They continue through the icy mountains toward the Winter Court.