Chapter 12

Summary

• The protagonist is haunted by a nightmare and wanders the manor at night, making a rudimentary map of the place as a strategy for coping and potentially for survival.
• She notes the house's artwork but avoids it, promising herself to examine it when the manor is quieter.
• While sketching the map, she encounters Tamlin in his beast form, noticing he is wounded and bleeding.
• She helps Tamlin navigate to the infirmary and treats his hand, which has several deep cuts that don't require stitches.
• Despite Tamlin's injuries, he demonstrates immense strength, which alarms the protagonist and reminds her of the power of the High Lords.
• Tamlin asks the protagonist about her skills in survival, indicating a grudging respect for her abilities.
• Overheard by the protagonist, Lucien and Tamlin have a tense argument about their precarious situation and reference a mysterious blight affecting their land.
• Tamlin reluctantly agrees to accompany the protagonist after Lucien excuses himself, and the protagonist expresses her dislike for hunting.
• Despite her apprehensions, the protagonist engages with Tamlin about her past and self-sufficiency.
• Tamlin acknowledges her cleverness in spying but advises she'll need better strategies when dealing with the Fae.
• The protagonist confronts Tamlin about what she overheard, but he evades giving direct answers and implies that the situation is complicated.
• The chapter concludes with Tamlin bringing the protagonist to the study, leaving her with a sense of unease about the future.