The chapter opens with Nesryn and Sartaq crashing into a hidden net strung between mountain peaks, a trap designed to ensnare their ruk, Kadara. During the violent collision, Sartaq shields Nesryn, taking the brunt of the impact as they are thrown from the saddle. The scene is chaotic, with descriptions of twisting bodies, shattered shale, and Kadara’s desperate attempts to protect the hatchling in her talons. The pair survive the fall but are left disoriented and injured, with Sartaq bearing the worst of the wounds.

As they regain their bearings, Nesryn frantically frees herself and Sartaq from the tangled saddle straps, relieved to find him alive despite his injuries. Meanwhile, Kadara lies trapped in the nearly invisible webbing, her wings pinned. Sartaq and Nesryn rush to cut her free, their urgency underscored by the hatchling’s absence—it had been thrown during the crash. The tension mounts as they realize the hatchling is vulnerable, its distressed cries echoing through the pass.

Their efforts to rescue Kadara are interrupted when the hatchling is suddenly attacked by a monstrous creature, its spine brutally pierced. The gruesome death leaves Nesryn and Sartaq horrified, the scene emphasizing the brutality of their unseen enemies. With shadows closing in, Sartaq desperately commands Kadara to fly, but the injured ruk struggles to rise. Nesryn readies her bow, preparing for a fight as the threat draws nearer.

The chapter ends on a cliffhanger, with Nesryn and Sartaq facing imminent danger. The loss of the hatchling and Kadara’s incapacitation heighten the stakes, leaving them vulnerable in the treacherous pass. The narrative builds tension through visceral action and emotional weight, setting the stage for a confrontation with the lurking enemies. The chapter underscores themes of survival, sacrifice, and the harsh realities of their journey.

The chapter begins with a tense revelation that the hatchling was a trap, revealing the danger Nesryn and her companions face in their environment. As Kadara crashes into the web woven between the peaks—designed not for wind but for capturing ruks—the scene intensifies with chaos. Sartaq’s quick reflexes and Nesryn’s instinctive actions highlight the perilous situation. The narrative vividly describes the impact of the fall, the shattering of shale, and the immediate danger they are in as they are thrown into a violent descent. The scene emphasizes the unpredictable and deadly landscape they must navigate, setting a tone of urgency and life-threatening stakes.

Amidst the wreckage, Nesryn’s focus shifts to Sartaq, who is dazed but alive, having taken the brunt of the fall to shield her. She frantically works to free him from the shredded leather straps, her determination fueled by the instinct to save him. Sartaq’s injuries are evident, yet he remains conscious, reassuring her that his bones aren’t broken. Their bond and mutual reliance are palpable as Nesryn’s fingers tremble while working through the debris, illustrating their resilience amidst chaos. The scene underscores their physical and emotional connection, as they fight to recover from the impact and prepare for the next challenge.

The focus then turns to Kadara, who is ensnared in the nearly invisible web—her wings pinned, her head tucked in—highlighting the danger posed by the trap. Sartaq swiftly begins cutting away the webbing while Nesryn searches for her bow, her anxiety mounting as she assesses Kadara’s condition. The characters’ coordinated efforts to free the ruk emphasize their concern and determination to save their companion. The webbing’s nearly invisible nature adds an element of stealth and danger, reinforcing the threat lurking in their environment. Their quick actions are driven by the urgency to rescue Kadara before further harm can occur.

Tragically, the chapter culminates in a sudden attack as a shadowy figure emerges, snatching the helpless hatchling. Nesryn witnesses the brutal act—an ebony leg piercing the baby ruk’s spine—an act of violence that leaves her devastated. The scene captures the horror of the creature’s suffering and the helplessness of the characters as they are unable to prevent the kidnapping. Sartaq’s commanding cry for Kadara to fly underscores their desperation and the imminent threat of the approaching shadows. The chapter ends on a note of peril, with Nesryn readying her weapon, determined to pursue the captors and rescue the hatchling, emphasizing the ongoing danger and the need for vigilance.