Tamlin leads Feyre to a freshly cleaned gallery, where the art moves her to tears. After, Alis unveils a studio filled with abundant supplies, and Feyre begins painting. Weeks pass as she paints obsessively, sometimes exploring with Tamlin while he periodically returns from bloody border skirmishes.

Near the outer hedge, Feyre is struck by guilt over her glamoured family and spends dinner in silence before fleeing to the rose garden. She vents her shame and anger, tearing her hands on thorns. Tamlin gently kisses and heals her wounds, admits he is drawn to her human joy, brushes a kiss to her cheek, and promises answers when it is safe.

The next day, Feyre snares Tamlin in a playful trap. He reads bawdy limericks built from her vocabulary list, and they share rare laughter. Walking home, he explains faerie mating bonds, then reveals his brutal upbringing: a tyrant father, cruel brothers, a devoted mother, and his unexpected rise to High Lord after his family’s deaths.

They spot preparations for Calanmai, a spring rite Feyre is forbidden to attend, and Tamlin warns her to avoid visiting faeries. Returning to the garden, a chill presence arrives. From hiding, Feyre overhears Tamlin and Lucien confront an invisible messenger—the Attor—who mentions court interest, dead naga, and a commanding she.

After the Attor departs on leathery wings, Tamlin confirms such beings are legends made flesh. Lucien worries it might have seen “her,” but Tamlin denies it and dismisses Feyre. Shaken, Feyre retreats, alarmed by the unseen power behind the Attor and the danger tightening around the Spring Court.