The chapter opens with a sudden, violent intrusion as a monstrous faerie beast bursts into the protagonist’s home, accusing her family of murder. The creature, a terrifying hybrid of feline, wolf, and elk features, threatens the household with its claws and fangs. Despite her fear, the protagonist positions herself defensively in front of her cowering sisters and injured father, armed only with a hunting knife and makeshift weapons. The family’s feeble wards and iron trinkets prove useless against the enraged faerie, who demands answers for the death of a wolf—revealing the first hints of a deeper conflict between humans and the fae.

As the confrontation escalates, the beast roars accusations, shaking the cottage with its fury. The protagonist attempts to negotiate, offering reparation for the wolf’s death, but the faerie invokes the ancient Treaty between their realms, hinting at dire consequences. Tension mounts as the protagonist’s father and sisters plead innocence, while she cautiously assesses the creature’s movements, noting its strangely intelligent eyes and restrained aggression. The faerie’s focus shifts between family members, sniffing for truth as it circles the room, its wrath tinged with something resembling grief.

The protagonist eventually admits to killing the wolf, claiming ignorance of its faerie nature but refusing to apologize for defending herself against their kind. This bold defiance surprises the beast, who expected cowardice or lies. Their exchange reveals the deep-seated animosity between humans and fae, with the protagonist arguing that violence against faeries is justified given their historical cruelty. Meanwhile, she observes her sister Nesta’s protective stance over Elain, recognizing their unspoken bond even in the face of imminent death.

The chapter climaxes with a standoff between human courage and faerie wrath, as the protagonist prepares for a fatal outcome. Her internal reflections reveal complex family dynamics—particularly her understanding of Nesta’s priorities and her own willingness to sacrifice herself. The faerie’s reaction to her honesty remains unpredictable, leaving the confrontation unresolved but hinting at potential consequences under the mysterious Treaty. The scene masterfully blends action with emotional depth, establishing high stakes for both the immediate survival and the larger human-fae conflict.

The chapter opens with a chaotic and intense scene where the protagonist finds herself clutching a hunting knife amidst a terrifying encounter with a gigantic, faerie beast. The creature, fierce and threatening, is characterized by its wolfish head, feline body, and unsettling horns, emphasizing its otherworldly nature. The vivid descriptions of the beast’s claws, fangs, and aggressive behavior highlight the danger the family faces. Despite the chaos, the protagonist’s instincts kick in, and she instinctively positions herself to defend her family, showcasing her resilience and determination in the face of mortal peril.

As the beast’s accusation of murder echoes through the room, the narrative reveals that it is targeting her family for killing a faerie wolf. The creature’s eyes, unusual and piercing, suggest a sentience beyond mere animal instinct, hinting at its faerie origins. The protagonist’s attempt to negotiate, offering payment for the supposed accidental killing, underscores her awareness of the treaty that governs faerie-human relations. Her calmness in this tense moment demonstrates her quick thinking and willingness to confront the creature directly, despite her fear and the overwhelming odds.

The conversation shifts as the beast demands to know who killed the wolf, and the protagonist boldly admits her involvement, claiming she sold its hide at the market without realizing it was a faerie creature. Her honesty, coupled with her assertion that she would not have harmed the wolf if she had known, establishes her moral stance and her recognition of the gravity of her actions. Her defiance, despite the danger, reflects her inner strength and refusal to be cowed by the creature’s wrath, emphasizing her sense of justice and personal integrity.

In the final moments, the beast’s reaction reveals a complex mixture of anger and sorrow, hinting at a deeper emotional connection to the wolf. The protagonist’s reflection on the potential fate of her family, especially her sister Elain, underscores the peril they face. Her acknowledgment that Nesta would sacrifice herself to protect Elain reveals her understanding of familial bonds and her own resolve to face whatever comes, even in the face of death. This chapter captures a moment of raw courage amid chaos, illustrating the themes of bravery, moral conviction, and the harsh realities of their world.