Celaena tries to convince herself that the figure outside the library has nothing to do with the king. Once back in her suite, she notices a lunar eclipse has begun, so she moves a chest of drawers and reveals a secret door hidden behind a tapestry. As she descends the stairs and heads for Queen Elena’s tomb, she walks by debris left behind when Cain summoned the ridderak to kill her during the tournament. She hesitates at the door to the tomb, and the skull-shaped bronze knocker speaks to her, startling her.

Celaena questions the knocker, named Mort, about how he can speak when magic vanished 10 years ago. Mort says ancient magic and spells still work and that he has been aware of her since she first came to the castle. Celaena uses him to knock on the door and enter the tomb. Elena is not there; Mort explains that Elena left to regain her strength after helping Celaena during the tournament. However, Elena left her a message. He tells Celaena that she is bound to the world's fate, and as King’s Champion, she has the power to help many people. There is a far deadlier power at play than Cain, and her refusal to kill the king’s targets will allow her to discover that power.