These chapters mark a critical shift as alliances are tested, secrets are revealed, and characters confront their deepest fears. From the confirmation of the King's dark magic to Manon's unexpected display of loyalty, the stakes rise dramatically, setting the stage for an all-out war. The emotional bonds between characters are either strengthened or shattered, paving the way for new destinies.
Chapter 36: The Wolf of the North
On the rooftop of Celaena Sardothien / Aelin Ashryver Galathynius's hidden apartment, Aedion Ashryver and a recovering Ren Allsbrook share a tense moment. Ren expresses his gratitude for Aedion saving his life, acknowledging the bond forged between them. They discuss their hardships, and Ren questions whether restoring magic will truly make a difference, recalling the deaths of his magically-gifted sisters. When Ren probes Aedion's ambitions, asking if he desires to be king, Aedion reacts with fury, declaring his only wish is to see his queen restored to her throne, vowing to build a throne for her "from the bones of our enemies."
Later, Aedion meets Chaol Westfall at a tavern, where he embodies "The Wolf of the North," a general beloved by his men. His charisma unnerves Chaol, who realizes the immense power Aedion and Aelin would wield together and fears the implications for Adarlan. Chaol reaffirms his loyalty to Dorian Havilliard, not the growing rebellion. To gather information, Aedion initiates a drinking contest, seeking soldiers who have served at remote outposts.
A commander named Jensen, recently returned from five years at Noll, wins the contest. Jensen describes the desolate outpost and a mysterious, doorless tower made of black stone, identical to one at Amaroth. Chaol connects this to the clock tower in Rifthold, realizing the three towers form a triangle, confirming their theory about the king's spell. To test it, he knows he needs Dorian's help.
Chapter 37: Spidersilk
Manon Blackbeak and her Thirteen have become a formidable unit, but her wyvern, Abraxos, still lacks the wing strength for a dangerous aerial maneuver. Determined to give her coven every advantage, Manon takes Abraxos on a journey into the Ruhnn Mountains to find Stygian spiders and harvest their legendary spidersilk. After enduring a brutal storm, they locate the spiders' lair in a mountain cave system.
Manon confronts the ancient spider matriarch, who speaks of a time when Blueblood witches brought her sacrifices and mentions rumors of a new High Queen with wine-red hair in the Wastes. Manon bargains for spidersilk, but upon inspecting a sample, she feigns dissatisfaction, drawing the spider matriarch and her guards to the edge of a cliff. It is a trap. Abraxos, acting on Manon's unspoken command, whips the spiders off the cliff. Manon steals the entire bolt of spidersilk, securing the material through trickery and violence.
Chapter 38: A Line in the Dirt
With the spidersilk grafted onto his wings, Abraxos is ready to attempt the Crossing. Asterin and Sorrel stand by, but at the precipice, Abraxos freezes, paralyzed by fear. Manon, humiliated before the Yellowlegs heir, Iskra, grows enraged, calling Abraxos a coward. As he is led away, Iskra taunts Manon and viciously strikes Abraxos across the face.
Something inside Manon snaps. In a shocking display of fury, she tackles Iskra, pummels her face, and breaks her nose. It takes both Asterin and Sorrel to pull her off the battered Yellowlegs witch. Manon looks at Abraxos, who is watching her with wide eyes, then snarls at Iskra, "You touch him again, and I’ll drink the marrow from your bones.” This moment marks a profound shift in Manon, revealing a deep, protective bond with her wyvern.
The next day, Petrah, the Blueblood heir, approaches Manon, offering meat for Abraxos and cryptically asking, "Doesn't your wyvern talk to you?" Tapping her heart, Petrah implies a deeper connection is possible between rider and mount, leaving Manon to ponder the true nature of her bond with Abraxos.
Chapter 39: Another Set of Shackles
In a quiet moment, Celaena Sardothien / Aelin Ashryver Galathynius re-inks the tattoos on Rowan Whitethorn's wrist, a task requiring immense trust. They trade stories about their families. Celaena speaks of her cousin, Aedion Ashryver, for the first time in ten years, confessing her shame and fear at the thought of facing him after abandoning their kingdom.
Rowan presses her on why she refuses to fight for her throne. Celaena explains that if she saves Eyllwe as Celaena, she can be free afterward, but her crown is just "another set of shackles," linking the burden of queenship directly to her time in Endovier. This is a crucial moment of Healing and Recovery from Trauma and her struggle with the theme of Freedom vs. Slavery.
Rowan admits that while he is still her commander, he is also trying to figure out the nature of their changing relationship. He demands the same space and patience from her that he is giving her. She agrees, and they strike a new deal, moving their dynamic from antagonism to a fragile, complex partnership and marking a significant development in their bond of Found Family and Friendship.
Chapter 40: Picking a Side
Dorian Havilliard shares a tender morning with Sorscha, feeling trapped by his title. His happiness is interrupted by Chaol Westfall. Dorian accuses Chaol of being unable to accept people for who they truly are, pointing out that Chaol rejected Celaena once he saw her Fae power. "You cannot pick and choose what parts of her to love," Dorian tells him, showing a new maturity. He declares that he has chosen to be Aelin's friend and hopes Chaol will make the same choice.
Later, Chaol joins Aedion Ashryver and Ren Allsbrook as Murtaugh Allsbrook arrives with dire news: General Narrok has left the Dead Islands with an army of monstrous creatures "made" by the king, sailing for Wendlyn to launch a surprise attack, using Celaena's mission as a cover.
After the others leave, Aedion confronts Chaol, accusing him of refusing to pick a side out of fear. "Your prince has moved on, my queen has moved on. But you have not," Aedion snarls. "And it will cost you in the end." The following morning, a defeated Chaol goes to the King of Adarlan and informs him he is relinquishing his post as Captain of the Guard to return to his home in Anielle.
Key Events
- Chaol and Aedion confirm the existence of three black stone towers used by the king to suppress magic.
- Manon steals Stygian spidersilk to reinforce Abraxos's wings.
- Manon attacks Iskra for whipping Abraxos, revealing a protective bond with her wyvern.
- Celaena admits she views her crown as "another set of shackles."
- Dorian confronts Chaol about his inability to accept Aelin's identity and chooses to stand with her.
- The rebels learn that General Narrok is leading an army of monsters to attack Wendlyn.
- Chaol resigns as Captain of the Guard.
Character Development
- Manon Blackbeak: Her defense of Abraxos reveals a capacity for loyalty that contradicts her upbringing.
- Chaol Westfall: Faces his fear of change and inability to accept his friends' true identities, leading to his retreat.
- Dorian Havilliard: Fully accepts his magic and Aelin's identity, making his own moral stand.
- Celaena Sardothien / Aelin Ashryver Galathynius: Begins to lower her emotional walls with Rowan Whitethorn, confronting her trauma.
- Aedion Ashryver: His devotion to Aelin is laid bare, showing him as a charismatic leader and ruthless strategist.
Themes & Symbols
Loyalty and Oaths
These chapters explore the complexities of loyalty. Aedion Ashryver's loyalty to Aelin is absolute. Chaol Westfall is paralyzed by conflicting loyalties, leading to his isolation. Manon Blackbeak discovers a fierce loyalty to Abraxos, defying her clan's creed.
Acceptance of Identity and Power
This theme creates a stark divide. Dorian Havilliard embraces his magic and accepts Aelin. Chaol cannot. Celaena Sardothien / Aelin Ashryver Galathynius actively rejects her royal identity.
Freedom vs. Slavery
Celaena frames her destiny through this lens, calling her crown "another set of shackles." The collared monster symbolizes absolute subjugation.
Significance
These chapters represent a major turning point in Heir of Fire. The plot accelerates with the confirmation of the king's magic-suppressing spell and the revelation of his army of monsters, raising the stakes to an impending international war.
Emotionally, the core relationships are either fractured or reforged. The friendship between Chaol and Dorian effectively ends, while the bond between Celaena and Rowan deepens. Manon's character arc takes a pivotal turn. Chaol's decision to leave Rifthold signals the end of an era.
Analysis
“You cannot pick and choose what parts of her to love.”
Dorian's words to Chaol encapsulate the theme of acceptance. He recognizes that true friendship and love require embracing the entirety of a person, not just the parts that are convenient or comfortable. This statement marks Dorian's growth and his willingness to stand by Aelin, flaws and all.
“You touch him again, and I’ll drink the marrow from your bones.”
Manon's threat to Iskra is a visceral expression of her newfound loyalty to Abraxos. It signifies a departure from her cold, calculating nature and reveals a capacity for fierce protectiveness. The violence of her words underscores the depth of her emotional shift.
Sarah J. Maas utilizes parallel scenes to great effect. Chaol faces two devastating confrontations—first with Dorian, then with Aedion. Both conversations attack the same core flaw: his fear of change and his inability to accept the powerful identities of those he loves. The three black towers represent the king's oppressive control, while the spidersilk symbolizes the hope of overcoming inherent weakness.