Chapter 56 begins with a dramatic and intense moment as Rhys winnows the group to the Illyrian camp, a strategic location surrounded by thousands of Illyrian warriors on various peaks. The group is only briefly stopping, with Rhys confident that their presence is secure, as the warriors’ watchful eyes ensure that no one would dare approach them. However, the atmosphere is immediately charged with tension when the group arrives and Cassian, ever the tease, sarcastically remarks about the delay. Rhys reacts with an explosive snarl that catches Feyre off guard, and in a protective instinct, she grabs his arm to stop him from attacking Cassian. The tension is palpable, and Cassian seems unphased, only fueling the fire between them. Meanwhile, the Illyrians around them begin to react, with some taking to the skies and the others securing the camp, signaling just how high the stakes are in their world.

As the verbal sparring intensifies, Feyre quickly realizes that Cassian’s words were carefully chosen to provoke Rhys, who is already dealing with the intense pressure of their bond. Cassian’s banter about Feyre and his casual demeanor only seem to deepen Rhys’s rage, and before long, they are fighting in the mud, rolling and trading blows. The sight is jarring—Rhys, typically so composed, is now wild and feral, unleashing a primal fury that contrasts sharply with the elegance and control he usually exhibits. Cassian, equally skilled in battle, matches him blow for blow, but it’s clear that this is not a typical fight. Both men know that this fight is not just physical—it’s a release of pent-up emotions, a moment for Rhys to get control over his temper before they move forward with their plans. Feyre, although watching in horror, recognizes that this is something they both need to work through, a necessary step to regain their balance before they continue on with their journey.

As the fight continues, the Illyrians in the camp hesitate to intervene, sensing that this is not a typical brawl and understanding the unspoken dynamics between the two males. Rhys and Cassian pummel each other for what seems like an eternity, both covered in blood, dirt, and sweat, their emotions running high. In this moment, Feyre witnesses a side of Rhys she’s never seen before—his temper unleashed, his fury raw and untamed. The fight ends when both men, exhausted and battered, retreat to the house, where Mor greets Feyre with a wry smile and welcoming words, finally accepting her into their world with a simple, “Welcome to the family.” These words resonate deeply with Feyre, marking a significant shift in her relationship with Rhys and his family. As Rhys and Feyre reconnect in the aftermath of the fight, their passion takes over, offering a brief respite from the emotional and physical tension that has built up. Their connection is palpable, but even in this moment of intimacy, there is a sense that the deeper struggles and challenges of their world still loom large.

After their private moment, Rhys and Feyre are interrupted by a knock from Cassian, which signals the return to their mission. Rhys hands Feyre a washcloth, and the group prepares to winnow back to Velaris, where they will face their next set of challenges. The transition from the raw intensity of the Illyrian camp to the calm and beauty of Velaris is jarring, but it serves as a reminder that their world is always in flux. They arrive at the House of Wind, where the rest of their family—Mor, Azriel, Amren, and Cassian—awaits. Feyre and Rhys enter, hand in hand, ready to face whatever comes next, knowing that the bonds they have forged with each other will help them endure the trials ahead. The chapter closes with a sense of both resolution and anticipation, as the family reunites and prepares for the battles that lie beyond the horizon. This moment of peace, though fleeting, serves as a reminder of the strength of their connections and the resilience they possess as they navigate the ongoing challenges in their world.