Feyre awakens in a dark, damp prison cell, disoriented and in severe pain. Her face is badly injured, with a broken nose, swollen eyes, and a split lip. The oppressive atmosphere of the dungeon, combined with the distant sounds of screaming, heightens her fear. Despite her agony, she forces herself to assess her injuries and maintain composure, determined to survive whatever Amarantha has planned. The chapter vividly captures her physical suffering and psychological resilience as she grapples with her dire circumstances.

As Feyre struggles to stay calm, she reflects on her decision to return to the faerie realm, defying Alis’s warnings. She recalls seeing Tamlin beside Amarantha, which fueled her resolve to confront the High Queen, even at great personal risk. Her thoughts shift to Clare, a human whose suffering weighs heavily on her conscience, reinforcing her belief that she deserves punishment. The distant crack of a whip and screams remind her of the brutal fate that may await her, yet she clings to the hope of redeeming herself and saving Tamlin.

Lucien unexpectedly enters her cell, shocked by her presence and injuries. He chastises her for returning, revealing that Tamlin had sacrificed much to ensure her safety. Feyre defiantly insists she had no choice, driven by love and the need to break Amarantha’s curse. Lucien reluctantly agrees to help, using his limited magic to heal her broken nose and reduce the swelling, though he leaves bruises to avoid suspicion. Their tense exchange underscores the stakes of Feyre’s mission and the loyalty between them.

The chapter concludes with Lucien explaining Amarantha’s hold over the High Lords, including Tamlin, who remains defiant. Feyre learns that all are trapped Under the Mountain until her trials—and likely her death—conclude. The mention of Jurian’s eye, now a grotesque ring worn by Amarantha, reinforces the queen’s cruelty. Despite the grim outlook, Feyre’s determination persists, setting the stage for her impending ordeal. The chapter blends physical torment, emotional conflict, and political intrigue, deepening the narrative tension.

The chapter opens with Feyre awakening in a damp, dark prison cell, her senses painfully returning as she contends with injuries inflicted during her capture. Her face is swollen and broken, with a split lip and a fractured nose, yet her mind remains focused on survival. The oppressive environment, filled with the scent of mold and the sound of distant screams, underscores her dire situation. Despite the pain and despair, she strives to stay calm and assess her injuries, recognizing the importance of maintaining her composure to formulate a plan. Her thoughts are haunted by her recent violation of Alis’s rules, driven by her desire to see Tamlin and fulfill her feelings.

As Feyre grapples with her physical pain, she reflects on her emotional turmoil and the perilous circumstances she faces under Amarantha’s rule. She is acutely aware that her captivity is a death sentence designed to break her spirit, yet she refuses to succumb to despair. The distant screams and sounds of torture serve as grim reminders of the brutal reality she is trapped in, and her mind flashes back to her past sacrifices, including her own role in Clare’s suffering. Despite her suffering, Feyre is determined to find a way to make things right, harboring a fragile hope that she can somehow endure and influence her fate.

Feyre’s situation takes a turn when Lucien enters her cell, bringing a flicker of hope amid the darkness. Though weak and battered, she recognizes him and desperately seeks reassurance. Lucien’s concern highlights the gravity of her injuries, especially her broken nose, and he reveals that some of her injuries can be healed magically, albeit with difficulty. Their conversation exposes the broader political landscape, as Lucien explains that Amarantha’s influence extends even to the High Lords, who are now trapped under her command. The sense of helplessness is palpable, but Feyre’s resolve remains firm as she faces the reality of her situation and the sacrifices others are making to oppose Amarantha.

In the final moments, Lucien manages to partially heal Feyre’s injuries, restoring her appearance and easing her pain, though he admits that full healing is impossible without revealing their alliance. They discuss the extent of Lucien’s diminished magic and the grim reality that many of the High Lords are under Amarantha’s control, unable to leave her domain. The chapter ends with Feyre contemplating the significance of the ring, which contains Jurian’s eye, symbolizing the complex web of loyalty and betrayal in their world. Despite the overwhelming odds, Feyre’s determination to survive and fight for a better outcome remains unwavering, setting the stage for the struggles ahead.