Feyre devises a plan to seek out Lucien alone, hoping to gather information or leverage. She learns from the servant Alis that Lucien is on border patrol and heads to the stables, only to be intercepted by Tamlin. Despite his offer to accompany her, Feyre politely declines, noting his strained attempts at hospitality. Tamlin’s frustration is evident, but he retreats, leaving Feyre to proceed with her mission, determined to avoid his scrutiny and focus on her objective.

Upon reaching the stables, Feyre observes the masked stablehands, who ignore her, likely due to her role in Andras’s death. She finds Lucien already mounted and prepared for patrol. He taunts her with a hunting invitation, questioning her abilities as a Fae-killer. Feyre recognizes his mockery but seizes the opportunity, agreeing to join him despite her discomfort. She remains wary of Tamlin’s potential interference and Lucien’s unpredictable demeanor.

As they ride into the woods, Feyre remains alert, assessing her surroundings for survival tactics rather than admiring the scenery. Lucien comments on her silence, prodding her about her hunting skills. Feyre adjusts to the unfamiliar weight of the provided bow, reflecting on her past sacrifices to acquire her own equipment. She maintains a guarded distance, aware of Lucien’s dual nature and the potential dangers of their interaction.

The chapter highlights Feyre’s strategic thinking and resilience as she navigates the complexities of her captivity. Her interactions with Tamlin and Lucien reveal the tension between her human instincts and the faerie world’s unpredictability. The hunt with Lucien serves as a test of her adaptability, while her internal monologue underscores her determination to survive and outmaneuver her captors, even as she remains wary of their motives.

In Chapter 9, the protagonist carefully devises a plan to locate and confront Lucien, a key figure in her quest for information. She observes her surroundings and gathers intelligence from Alis, the servant, learning that Lucien might be at the stables preparing to leave on border patrol. Her goal is to find Lucien alone to gauge his intentions and gather crucial details, all while maintaining a cautious demeanor to avoid arousing suspicion. Her awareness of Tamlin’s presence and the subtle tension in their interactions highlight her strategic thinking and the delicate balance she must maintain to avoid revealing her true intentions.

As she navigates the estate, the protagonist encounters Tamlin, who approaches her silently, revealing his attempt at friendliness despite underlying tension. Tamlin offers her a ride across the grounds, but she politely declines, emphasizing her desire to spend time alone to gather information. Her refusal prompts a tense reaction from Tamlin, who, though restrained, shows signs of frustration. The protagonist’s careful diplomacy underscores her desire to keep Tamlin at bay while she plans her next move. Her internal reflections reveal her hope that Tamlin’s concern will eventually diminish, allowing her more freedom to act.

The scene shifts to the stables, where the protagonist observes the stableboys wearing horse masks, a sign of the magical blight affecting the faeries. She notes their resentment and the oppressive atmosphere, which deepens her understanding of the environment she is trying to navigate. When she finally spots Lucien on a horse, her attempt to appear casual is challenged by his sharp, teasing demeanor. Lucien’s interest in her abilities and his invitation to a hunt serve as a test of her skills and intentions. Her awareness of the restrictions placed on her and her strategic responses reveal her resilience and adaptability in a hostile setting.

The chapter concludes with the protagonist preparing to join Lucien on a ride through the woods, using the opportunity to gather information and assess her surroundings. She remains alert, observing Lucien’s behavior and the environment, while mentally preparing for the challenges ahead. Her reflections on her bow and previous investments in her hunting equipment highlight her resourcefulness and determination. As they ride in the quiet, spring-shrouded forest, her focus remains on staying undetected and collecting vital intelligence, understanding that her survival depends on her ability to read her environment and manipulate her interactions carefully.