A Court of Silver Flames
Chapter Thirty-Seven
by J, Maas, SarahThe chapter opens in the Court of Nightmares, where Rhysand, Amren, Feyre, Cassian, and Azriel interrogate two captured Autumn Court soldiers in a gruesome dungeon. The room, feared even by Keir’s Darkbringers, houses a pit of ravenous beasts awakened by the prisoners’ blood. Despite Azriel’s brutal methods, the males remain unresponsive, their vacant expressions suggesting they are under an enchantment. Rhysand questions their motives for attacking his court in the Bog of Oorid, but the soldiers only react with mindless violence, leading the group to suspect external manipulation by forces like Briallyn or Koschei.
Feyre raises ethical concerns about torturing the soldiers if they are not in control of their actions, prompting Rhysand to agree. Amren confirms the males’ minds are shrouded in fog, reinforcing the theory of magical coercion. The group decides to seek Helion’s help to break the spell, prioritizing the soldiers’ families and the need for swift resolution. Cassian reflects on the weight of their actions, acknowledging the ripple effects of violence, while Azriel remains stoic. The chapter highlights the moral ambiguity of their methods and the urgency to uncover the truth behind the attack.
The scene shifts to Rhysand’s palace, where Nesta is discovered in the room housing the Mask, despite the heavy wards. Her unexplained presence unsettles Rhysand, who questions how she bypassed his protections. Nesta’s detached demeanor and searching gaze suggest she is grappling with unseen forces or trauma. The encounter hints at her growing connection to the Mask and the potential for her powers to defy even the High Lord’s magic, setting the stage for future conflicts.
The chapter underscores themes of control, morality, and the consequences of power. The interrogation scene reveals the characters’ conflicting approaches to justice, while Nesta’s mysterious actions introduce an element of unpredictability. The narrative balances tension and introspection, leaving readers questioning the true nature of the soldiers’ enslavement and Nesta’s role in the unfolding events. The chapter effectively bridges action and intrigue, deepening the stakes for the story’s progression.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of the circular room in the Court of Nightmares, and how does it function as an interrogation tool?
Answer:
The circular room in the Court of Nightmares is a feared interrogation chamber where enemies of the Night Court are taken and rarely leave alive. Its design includes a hatch leading to a pit of hibernating, monstrous beasts that awaken to the scent of blood. The psychological terror of the beasts—their snarls, claws, and hunger—serves as a potent incentive for prisoners to talk. The chapter describes how the Autumn Court males’ blood drips through the grate, rousing the creatures, creating an atmosphere of imminent doom. This setting underscores the Night Court’s ruthless methods for extracting information, though the morality of such tactics is later questioned by Feyre.2. Analyze the ethical dilemma presented in this chapter regarding the treatment of the Autumn Court soldiers. How do different characters respond to it?
Answer:
The chapter highlights a moral conflict over whether to torture the enchanted Autumn Court soldiers, who may be unwilling pawns of Briallyn or Koschei. Feyre openly challenges the ethics, comparing the males to “rabid dogs” and questioning their culpability. Rhys initially permits Azriel’s brutal methods but concedes the injustice when confronted. Amren rationalizes the torture as necessary for confirmation, while Cassian grapples with the weight of lives taken in self-defense. The tension reflects broader themes of power, trauma, and accountability—particularly as Feyre, a survivor of torture herself, pushes for alternative solutions like involving Helion to break the spell.3. How does Nesta’s unexpected presence in the warded room subvert expectations, and what might this imply about her abilities?
Answer:
Nesta’s appearance in the heavily warded room where the Mask is stored defies Rhys’s safeguards, which were described as “impenetrable.” Her casual statement that “the door was open” suggests either an oversight (unlikely for Rhys) or that Nesta possesses latent powers capable of bypassing High Lord-level magic. This moment builds mystery around her connection to the Mask and her evolving capabilities, hinting at her potential to disrupt the Night Court’s carefully controlled systems. It also creates suspense about whether her actions are intentional or instinctual, given her dazed demeanor.4. Compare the roles of Azriel and Cassian in this chapter. How do their approaches to violence and duty differ?
Answer:
Azriel operates with detached precision, employing torture as a calculated tool (“knowing where to slice up a male without letting him bleed out”). His stoicism contrasts with Cassian’s visible unease—Cassian focuses on Nesta’s safety to endure the scene and later reflects on the ripple effects of killing soldiers with families. While Azriel shows no remorse, Cassian’s introspection reveals his warrior’s guilt, particularly when noting how death “sends a ripple into the world.” Their dynamic illustrates the spectrum of morality in the Illyrians: Azriel as the unflinching spymaster, Cassian as the protector wrestling with consequences.5. What strategic considerations influence the group’s decision-making about involving Helion and Eris?
Answer:
The group weighs diplomacy against security: Helion, the High Lord of Day, is sought for his spell-breaking expertise, avoiding further torture. However, they delay informing Eris (Autumn Court’s heir) due to suspicions he might be complicit. Feyre advocates for urgency to ease the soldiers’ families’ suffering, while Amren cautions patience to verify Eris’s innocence. This balancing act reflects the political tensions between courts—trusting an ally (Helion) while distrusting a potential adversary (Eris)—and underscores the priority of gathering intelligence without escalating conflict prematurely.
Quotes
1. “There was a place in the Court of Nightmares where even Keir and his elite squadron of Darkbringers did not dare tread. Once the Night Court’s enemies entered that place, they did not come out. Not alive, anyway.”
This opening quote establishes the ominous setting of the chapter, revealing the brutal and unforgiving nature of the Night Court’s justice system. It sets the tone for the interrogation scene that follows.
2. “‘Are you feeling more inclined to explain yourselves?’ Rhys said, hands sliding into his pockets.”
This quote captures Rhysand’s characteristic calm yet threatening demeanor during the interrogation. It exemplifies his power and control, even in violent situations, and highlights the chapter’s tension between mercy and retribution.
3. “‘They must be under some sort of an enchantment,’ Amren observed, circling the males. ‘Their only drive seems to be to harm without reason, without context.’”
This moment reveals the moral dilemma at the chapter’s core - whether the Autumn Court soldiers are truly responsible for their actions. It raises questions about free will and culpability that resonate throughout the series.
4. “‘If they’re under a spell from Briallyn or Koschei,’ Feyre asked, ‘then is it right to harm them like this?’ The question echoed through the chamber, over the snarling of the hungry beasts.”
Feyre’s ethical challenge serves as a turning point in the scene, forcing the characters to confront the morality of their actions. This quote represents the ongoing tension between pragmatism and compassion in the series.
5. “Every death had a weight, sent a ripple into the world, into time. It was too easy to forget that.”
Cassian’s reflection provides profound insight into the psychological toll of violence, even when justified. This philosophical moment adds depth to the action-packed chapter and shows character development.