Chapter 11

Summary

• The protagonist prepares to flee, layering on clothes and carrying a knife, refusing to panic despite the sudden urgency.
• Her crippled father has come to take her away from Tamlin, seeming to confirm that he hasn't been swayed by any favors Tamlin might have granted when she left.
• The protagonist secretly leaves her room to meet her father, hoping to escape unnoticed while Tamlin is away.
• Her father appears to be waiting by the gates with horses, ready for a swift escape into the cold winter night.
• They aim to flee the area before anyone realizes she's missing, to escape both Tamlin and a spreading blight.
• Upon nearly reaching her father at the open gates, the protagonist is seized by Tamlin, who has fangs and claws exposed.
• Fearing for her life and her father's safety, she pleads with Tamlin, only to find that her father was an illusion created by a puca.
• Tamlin reprimands her for not keeping her guard up and educates her about the dangers of pucas and other fae creatures.
• The protagonist argues with Tamlin about wanting to return home, expressing the obligations she feels toward her promised vow to her deceased mother.
• Tamlin insists that by staying, she is honoring the vow as her family is well-cared for now, potentially better than when she was there.
• The protagonist reluctantly acknowledges that her vow may be fulfilled, but is internally conflicted.
• Discussion moves to the various faeries in the woods and how the land has become less safe. Tamlin avoids giving away too much personal information.
• The protagonist understands she is bound to stay in Prythian, but still desires to verify the truth about her family’s well-being.
• In the following days, she joins Lucien on patrols, choosing not to shoot a healthy red doe, reflecting a change in her outlook on hunting.
• Tamlin is preoccupied with hunting the Bogge and is mostly absent, which the protagonist finds somewhat relieving.
• The protagonist observes tension and concern in Lucien, who explains Tamlin's moods and solitary preference in dealing with threats.
• The chapter concludes with the protagonist experiencing a nightmare about killing a fae, filled with vivid and violent imagery, and awakening overwhelmed by regret and shame.