Feyre reflects on Tamlin’s explosive rage earlier in the day, which forced her and Lucien to leave the dining room. Overwhelmed by the aftermath, she retreats to her room, avoiding dinner and painting, while the echoes of Tamlin’s fury linger in the manor. Her thoughts drift to Rhysand’s ominous warnings about the blight, Under the Mountain, and the deadly Amarantha, who commands the High Lords. The weight of these threats unsettles her, especially knowing Tamlin is desperate to keep her hidden from Amarantha’s reach.

Tamlin visits Feyre’s room, apologizing for his outburst but delivering shocking news: he plans to send her home to protect her. He claims he’ll take responsibility for her life-debt, bypassing the Treaty’s terms. Feyre protests, questioning whether she did something wrong, but Tamlin insists she was perfect—his decision stems from his inability to shield her from the dangers looming over Prythian. His vulnerability surfaces as he admits his own powerlessness against Amarantha and her forces.

Their conversation grows tense as Feyre demands answers, but Tamlin refuses to elaborate, emphasizing that her safety depends on her departure. He warns her to keep her time in Prythian a secret, fearing Amarantha’s spies. Feyre pleads to stay, willing to face the threats alongside him, but Tamlin’s fear for her outweighs her defiance. He reveals the Attor and worse creatures serve Amarantha, making Prythian increasingly perilous. His desperation peaks as he confesses the thought of her in their hands terrifies him.

Despite the unresolved tension, their emotions culminate in a passionate kiss, a fleeting attempt to defy the inevitable separation. Feyre clings to Tamlin, hoping to halt time, but the chapter ends with the unspoken understanding that their goodbye may be permanent. Tamlin’s lie—”not forever”—hangs between them, a fragile comfort amid the looming storm of war and Amarantha’s shadow.

The chapter opens with Feyre reflecting on a tense and emotionally charged night, where Tamlin’s anger manifests in a destructive outburst that echoes through their home. Her attempt to avoid confrontation and her desire to stay connected are thwarted by Tamlin’s abrupt decision to send her away for her safety. She is overwhelmed by the chaos and her own feelings of helplessness, as her mind is haunted by the threatening presence of Rhysand and the looming danger of the impending blight and the mysterious threat under the Mountain. Her emotional turmoil is palpable as she struggles to process the upheaval in her life and the uncertain future that awaits her.

Tamlin’s actions reveal a protective but conflicted attitude, as he admits he cannot shield Feyre from the dangers outside their home. His decision to send her back to her human family is driven by a desire to keep her safe from those who might harm her because of her connection to him and her potential as a threat to their enemies. His words are filled with regret and helplessness, emphasizing the severity of the threat they face from Amarantha and the other dark forces in Prythian. Tamlin’s insistence on her leaving underscores the peril they are in and the impossibility of their current situation, forcing Feyre to confront the reality that she cannot stay with him and must return to her previous life, which now feels like a prison.

Feyre’s feelings of frustration and heartbreak are compounded by her desire to stay with Tamlin, despite the dangerous circumstances. She pleads to remain, but Tamlin’s resolve is firm; he fears for her safety and recognizes that her presence could make her a target. His admission that he cannot protect her against the rising threats, including the powerful and deadly Amarantha, underscores the gravity of their situation. His warning to conceal the truth about her whereabouts and her identity highlights the level of danger she faces if she remains in Prythian. Their emotional exchange reveals the depth of their love and the tragic necessity of their separation, even as both wish for a different outcome.

The chapter culminates in a passionate and bittersweet farewell. Despite the pain of parting, Feyre and Tamlin share a moment of intimacy, trying to cling to each other amid the chaos. Feyre’s internal conflict is evident as she struggles with her desire to stay and her understanding of the peril she faces if she remains. Tamlin’s reassurance that her departure is temporary offers a fragile hope, but both are painfully aware that their separation is inevitable. The chapter ends with a poignant reminder of the thorny, prickly nature of their relationship—marked by love, sacrifice, and the harsh realities of the dangerous world they inhabit—leaving Feyre with a mixture of longing and resolve as she prepares to leave.