Chapter 5

Summary

• The protagonist is reluctantly moving towards an ominous line of trees, not wanting to face the impending torment and misery.
• Upon entering the trees, a white mare is waiting, which the protagonist is instructed to mount by the beast who has been guiding them.
• The journey heads north toward faerie territory, Prythian, which fills the protagonist with dread as she contemplates being like a lamb among wolves.
• The protagonist recalls the act of murdering a faerie, which she justifies due to the danger they present and their wickedness.
• She regrets not having more ash wood, the only known weakness of faeries, as she considers how it may be her only chance of survival or escape.
• The protagonist reflects on the scarcity of firsthand accounts from Prythian and the formidable power of the High Fae who govern those lands.
• There's a recognition of the foolishness of humans living so close to Prythian despite the centuries-old Treaty that was meant to ensure some safety.
• She is tormented by thoughts of her family's possible suffering and Nesta's potential actions to ensure survival.
• The protagonist observes the beast for weaknesses but finds none, highlighting their disparity in power.
• When trying to engage the beast in conversation or learn its name, she is largely ignored, which she understands given her actions against his kind.
• She contemplates escape and even considers a further attack despite the risk, motivated by the desire to protect her family.
• Without warning, the protagonist is rendered unconscious by magic and awakens later, bound by invisible forces, feeling trapped and resentful.
• After waking, she notices a mild environment with birds chirping, which contrasts with the grim expectations of Prythian she had harbored.
• Realizing it has been two days since her abduction, she is filled with anger towards the beast for enchanting her into sleep for so long.
• The chapter ends with the protagonist and the beast passing through a gate that opens without assistance, symbolizing her entry into a new, uncertain reality as she continues following the beast into Prythian.