Chapter 33

Summary

• The protagonist gears up for a dangerous journey, armed with a quiver, two daggers, and a bow, despite knowing that her opponents, the faeries, are far more skilled at combat.
• Alis leads the protagonist through woods and hills toward an unknown destination, while the protagonist reflects on advice from the Suriel about staying with the High Lord and falling in love for things to be righted.
• The protagonist wonders if she should have brought more supplies as Alis stops at a cold, hollow area where a cave mouth entrance is revealed as an ancient shortcut to Under the Mountain.
• The protagonist recalls Lucien's orders about not using this shortcut and struggles with fear over what awaits, including Amarantha, who is more terrifying than her minions.
• Alis gives the protagonist survival tips for Under the Mountain, like not drinking the wine, being wary of making deals, and trusting no one, including Tamlin.
• The protagonist is advised to listen carefully for part of the curse she needs to figure out, which Alis can't fully reveal.
• The protagonist offers Alis and her nephews refuge at her family’s home if necessary and bids Alis farewell before entering the cave alone.
• Inside the cave, the protagonist navigates through the dark and cold, eventually encountering the sound of voices and a fire-lit passageway through a fissure in the rock.
• The protagonist reflects on Alis's warnings, the dangers of faeries, and compares her task to hunting as she prepares to encounter other beings.
• The protagonist squeezes through the opening into a hallway, fearing her presence is too conspicuous and regrets not asking Alis for more information.
• While attempting to move stealthily, she gets grabbed by the Attor, a creature from her nightmares, who greets her threateningly.