Yrene now fully believes that the core of the parasitic attachment to Chaol’s injury is mental. Both Yrene and Chaol experience a sense of relief at sharing small parts of their individual stories. Yrene is summoned to Hasar’s receiving room. Hasar pours over maps of the northern continent, which she invites Yrene to inspect. She points out the bulk of Duke Perrington’s forces amassed in the center of the continent, then smaller clusters in the south and north to Rifthold. Hasar reveals there’s a small army forming in Terrasen but no sign of Dorian Havilliard or Adarlan’s forces. Hasar notes that Aelin Galathynius is also unaccounted for. She enlists Yrene’s help in questioning Chaol about locations where Aelin might be. Behind her request is a thinly veiled threat that should Yrene not obey, Hasar will make it impossible for her to cross back to Erilea when the time comes. Hasar invites Yrene to a feast in two nights meant to celebrate the sea goddess holiday.

When Nesryn returns, Chaol mentions his progress with Yrene and requests they postpone his visit to meet her family. Nesryn is disappointed but understanding. When they share a kiss, Chaol notices there “had been no heat in it […] No real feeling” (226).