Nesryn, exhausted yet unable to rest, finds herself drawn to Kadara’s minaret after the group’s return to Antica. She deliberately avoids Chaol and Yrene’s reunion, understanding their need for privacy after Chaol’s near-death experience. As she contemplates finding new quarters for herself and her companions—including Borte and Falkan, who joined them—a page delivers a letter from her uncle. The message, dated two weeks prior, causes her hands to tremble before she races up the minaret stairs, urgency propelling her forward.

Upon reading the letter, Nesryn swiftly mounts her ruk, Salkhi, and flies to her uncle’s home in the Runni Quarter. The ruk’s dramatic arrival stirs awe and fear among the onlookers. When her family bursts through the gates—her father standing at the forefront—Nesryn collapses to her knees, overwhelmed with emotion. The reunion is tearful and joyous, with her family recounting their perilous journey to Antica and their decision to stay during the war. Nesryn’s bond with Salkhi, whom she claimed as her own after his previous rider’s death, symbolizes her newfound strength and identity.

Two hours later, Prince Sartaq arrives, drawn by the commotion caused by the ruks in the street. He greets Nesryn’s father with respect, causing Sayed Faliq visible shock. The children’s exuberant reaction to Kadara and Salkhi lightens the mood, with even Nesryn’s sister, Delara, momentarily forgetting her embarrassment in the presence of the prince. Sartaq’s unexpected visit and warm interaction with her family stir deep emotions in Nesryn, hinting at their growing connection. Delara’s teasing glance and Nesryn’s playful response underscore the familial bonds and Nesryn’s personal growth.

The chapter culminates in a blend of personal and political significance. Nesryn’s reunion with her family reaffirms her roots, while Sartaq’s presence signals his support and the deepening alliance between them. The children’s reverence for the ruks mirrors Nesryn’s own journey from uncertainty to confidence. The scene captures a moment of respite and joy amidst the looming war, highlighting themes of family, identity, and the bonds forged through shared trials. The chapter ends on a hopeful note, with Nesryn poised between her past and her future.

In this chapter, Nesryn is depicted as emotionally exhausted yet determined, walking alone toward Kadara’s minaret after a period of intense upheaval. She is acutely aware of the impending events surrounding Sartaq’s father, Hasar, and the delicate situation with Chaol and Yrene, prompting her to consider her own living arrangements. The chapter emphasizes her sense of responsibility and the emotional toll her recent experiences have taken, highlighting her desire for solitude amidst chaos. Her journey through the city reflects her internal struggle to find clarity and resolve amid the turmoil of war and personal loss.

The narrative shifts to Nesryn’s swift and daring flight on her ruk, Salkhi, as she races toward Antica after receiving a mysterious, long-overdue letter from her uncle. The scene vividly captures the awe and wonder of the city’s inhabitants as the ruk soars overhead, symbolizing Nesryn’s connection to her roots and her past. Her bond with Salkhi is deeply personal; she formally claims him as her own, establishing a new rider-ruk relationship rooted in trust and shared history. This act signifies her readiness to confront her future and the challenges ahead with renewed purpose.

Upon landing outside her family’s home, Nesryn is overwhelmed with emotion, falling to her knees and weeping as she reunites with her father, sister, and children. The scene is charged with joy, relief, and tears, illustrating her deep familial ties and the significance of her return. Her family’s stories of their perilous voyage and their decision to remain in Antica during wartime underscore themes of resilience and unity. Nesryn’s emotional vulnerability is palpable, revealing her longing for connection and stability after her tumultuous journey.

The chapter concludes with a poignant moment as Sartaq appears, greeted by her family, and approaches Nesryn’s father with respect. The interaction between Sartaq and her family highlights the cultural importance of honor and recognition among the rukhin and humans alike. The scene is lively, with children excitedly reaching out to Kadara and Salkhi, symbolizing innocence and the blending of worlds. Nesryn’s subtle flirtation with her sister and the prince’s warm reception reinforce themes of hope, belonging, and the bridging of different communities amid ongoing conflict.