Chapter 35

Summary

• The protagonist regains consciousness in a prison cell, disoriented and injured, with the taste of blood in their mouth and visible swelling and bruises.
• They come to the realization they are in a dungeon without weapons, a diky sensation overwhelming them as they assess their injuries.
• The protagonist recalls violating Alis’s rules and considers the passing of time, feeling unprepared for Amarantha's upcoming tasks.
• Screaming in the distance causes dread over what cruel events may await, as the protagonist reflects remorsefully on their own past actions.
• Lucien visits the cell, showing alarm at the protagonist's condition and expresses frustration that the protagonist has returned despite sacrifices made for their initial departure.
• Lucien helps to heal the protagonist's broken nose using magic, having a limited amount of power allowed by Amarantha, and mentions that all High Lords are trapped Under the Mountain.
• A horrific backstory involving Jurian's eye – a remnant of a brutal battle and torture by Amarantha – is revealed, indicating the level of cruelty enforced by her.
• Lucien is forced to depart quickly as guards change over, leaving the protagonist to later be taken to the throne room.
• During an assembly in the throne room, the protagonist notes key details of the surroundings to plan a potential escape.
• Amarantha mocks the protagonist’s appearance and requests their name, which the protagonist reluctantly gives.
• In a chilling display, Amarantha almost forces Lucien’s mind to be controlled by Rhysand as punishment for the protagonist's previous silence, but the protagonist intervenes by revealing their name.
• Amarantha presents a riddle with a promise of freedom from trials and immediate release if solved, but the protagonist is unable to decipher it.
• The protagonist is returned to their cell, haunted by the riddle and the fear of a fate similar to Jurian's—trapped and witnessing horrors for eternity.
• Time passes with no visit from Lucien and no clarity on the riddle, while anxiety builds with the full moon's rise signifying the start of Amarantha’s trials.