Chapter 20

Summary

• After a tense dinner, the protagonist, Lucien, retreats to her room where she lights candles to feel safe.
• Unable to paint anything other than chilling images of a monstrous creature, she seeks distraction by offering to assist in the kitchen.
• During Fire Night (Calanmai), the protagonist notices the absence of servants and Tamlin.
• Drumming from the forest beckons the protagonist, but she hesitates to leave the safety of the house.
• Tamlin appears, armed for battle, and instructs her to stay in her room for her own safety.
• Ignoring the warning, the protagonist's curiosity wins, and she follows the drumming to the bonfire festivities in the woods.
• The protagonist uses a cloak to blend in with the crowd of masked High Fae gathered around a ceremonial cave, though a magical glamour prevents her from seeing their true forms.
• While attempting to learn more about the event, she's confronted by three threatening faeries with dark intentions.
• Just as the situation escalates, a handsome and unknown savior intervenes, dispersing the faeries and offering the protagonist protection.