The group's subterranean journey takes a toll as Aelin grapples with her trauma, while elsewhere, war looms and alliances shift. Haunted by her experiences, Aelin resolves to project strength, even if it's a facade. Meanwhile, Manon embraces her dual heritage, and Dorian Havilliard's secret plan sparks conflict.
Chapter 36: The Weight of Stares
Traversing a dark, subterranean river system guided by the Little Folk, the oppressive atmosphere weighs heavily on the group. Elide can't help but wonder if this is akin to what Aelin endured in the iron coffin. Aelin, withdrawn and silent, contemplates her fate, considering that Dorian Havilliard might sacrifice himself to forge the Lock with the Wyrdkeys, a fate originally meant for her. The thought of allowing him to take her place becomes a potential torment in itself, forcing her to live with the trauma she suffered.
Echoing her mother's urging, “You do not yield,” Aelin makes a pivotal decision. Recognizing the pity and fear in her companions' eyes, she resolves to fight the darkness within. She decides to project the image of the swaggering, unbroken Queen of Terrasen, both for her companions and for the world. She will feign recovery, piecing herself together convincingly, hoping to one day believe the lie herself. This marks the beginning of her arduous path toward healing, rooted in Endurance and Resilience.
Chapter 37: To Whatever End
After days of travel, the group enters barrow-wight territory. Sensing something, Aelin orders the boat to stop at a cave entrance. She enters the tomb, and when a barrow-wight appears, she freezes, unable or unwilling to summon her magic. Rowan swiftly dispatches it with ice and wind. Aelin reveals her practical motive: to loot the tomb for gold to fund their journey. During the looting, Fenrys shifts back into his Fae form for the first time, sharing a comforting embrace with Aelin. He reveals that Maeve forced his twin, Connall, to commit suicide, a devastating blow, especially for Gavriel.
While alone, Aelin presents Rowan with two golden rings she found. Acknowledging her unfamiliarity with Fae customs but recognizing the human tradition of exchanging rings, she offers them as a reaffirmation of their marriage. They slide the rings onto each other's fingers, repeating their vow, "To whatever end." This act of Love and Mating Bonds serves as a tangible anchor for Aelin, a physical reminder of her identity and promises when her own body feels foreign. Back on the boat, Elide and Lorcan Salvaterre have a tense confrontation. He insists he summoned Maeve to save Elide, but she cannot forgive him for the consequences Aelin suffered, declaring she wants nothing to do with him.
Chapter 38: A Sea of Stars
As they depart the barrow, Fenrys confronts Lorcan Salvaterre, vowing to "settle things" once they are free of their current predicament. Lorcan accepts the challenge without hesitation, setting the stage for a future conflict. The journey through the dark river continues for two more days.
The oppressive gloom breaks when they enter a vast cavern illuminated by thousands of glowworms clinging to the ceiling, creating the illusion of a "sea of stars" reflected in the black water below. The unexpected beauty deeply affects the group, especially Aelin. It serves as a powerful reminder that beauty and light can exist even in the deepest darkness, reinforcing the theme of Hope vs. Despair. Gazing at the emerald on her new wedding ring, Aelin feels her resolve to fight for the world's remaining beauty solidify. The moment strengthens her commitment to see her mission through.
Chapter 39: The Bone Drums
The perspective shifts to Anielle, where Nesryn Faliq and the rukhin prepare for the imminent arrival of Morath's army. After five days of preparation, the enemy forces appear on the plain. That evening, the siege begins not with an attack, but with the psychological torment of bone drums, a relentless beat designed to instill terror and prevent sleep. Yrene Westfall works tirelessly to prepare the keep's makeshift infirmary and relocate families to safer quarters, all while struggling with nausea.
Hours before dawn, Chaol Westfall meets his father on the battlements. Lord Darrow reveals that Chaol's mother and younger brother, Terrin, have fled Anielle. He then coldly informs Chaol that he has deduced Yrene is pregnant, noting her morning sickness and protective gestures. The shock barely has time to register before the bone drums suddenly stop. The army of Morath begins its advance, and the battle for Anielle commences.
Chapter 40: Princeling
In the forests of the North, Manon Blackbeak and the Thirteen bury the human soldiers slaughtered by the Ironteeth, an act that earns them grudging respect from the Crochans. Manon has an epiphany about her own identity and duty. She declares to Asterin Blackbeak that she is both Crochan and Ironteeth, and she will not abandon her people. She resolves to fly to the Ferian Gap and attempt to recruit Petrah Blueblood's legion, hoping to build an army to fight for a better future for all witches.
Later, Manon discovers Dorian Havilliard's secret plan: he intends to infiltrate Morath alone, using his new shape-shifting abilities to retrieve the third Wyrdkey from Erawan. Furious at his secrecy and terrified for his life, she confronts him. Their argument is explosive, fueled by his determination and her fear of what Erawan will do to him. In a desperate, angry gambit, she challenges him to prove his skills are ready for Morath by first acting as a spy for her at the Ferian Gap. Stung by her challenge and her accusations, Dorian angrily agrees but tells her to find another tent to sleep in, creating a painful rift between them.
Key Events
- Aelin's Resolve: Aelin decides to feign her recovery and project an image of strength.
- The Rings: Aelin and Rowan exchange wedding rings, reaffirming their vows.
- Connall's Fate: Fenrys reveals that Maeve forced his twin brother to commit suicide.
- The Siege of Anielle: Morath's army arrives and begins the siege with psychological warfare.
- Yrene's Pregnancy: Chaol's father reveals that Yrene is pregnant.
- Manon's Mission: Manon embraces her dual heritage and decides to recruit the Ironteeth witches.
- Dorian's Plan & The Confrontation: Dorian's secret plan to infiltrate Morath leads to a major conflict with Manon.
Character Development
- Aelin Ashryver Whitethorn Galathynius: She takes the first step in her recovery by choosing to fight her internal darkness. Her decision to "fake it till she makes it" shows immense mental fortitude. The exchange of rings grounds her and reaffirms her most important bond.
- Manon Blackbeak: She solidifies her identity as a queen responsible for all witches, not just one clan. Her decision to recruit the Ironteeth is a bold move. Her fierce argument with Dorian reveals the depth of her feelings for him.
- Dorian Havilliard: His secretiveness highlights his willingness to undertake a suicidal mission for the greater good, embodying Sacrifice and Selflessness. His deception backfires and creates a rift in his relationship with Manon.
- Chaol Westfall: He is hit with the life-altering news of Yrene's pregnancy just as a major battle begins.
- Fenrys: By shifting back to his Fae form and accepting Aelin's comfort, he begins to process his trauma. His vow of vengeance against Lorcan shows his grief is still raw.
Themes & Symbols
- Endurance and Resilience: This is the central theme of Aelin's chapters. Her decision to project strength despite her suffering is a profound act of resilience.
- Hope vs. Despair: The cavern of glowworms serves as a powerful symbol of hope. Its unexpected beauty in a place of utter darkness reminds Aelin that light and beauty persist.
- Love and Mating Bonds: The wedding rings are a potent symbol of Aelin and Rowan's unbreakable bond. In contrast, the argument between Manon and Dorian shows how these powerful connections can also lead to intense conflict.
- The Bone Drums: These symbolize the psychological aspect of War and Strategy. Erawan's forces use fear as a weapon, aiming to break their enemies' spirits.
Key Quotes
“You do not yield.”
- This quote, echoing Aelin's mother, becomes a mantra for her as she battles her inner demons. It encapsulates the theme of Endurance and Resilience, reminding her to never give in, even when faced with unimaginable suffering.
"To whatever end."
- This vow, exchanged between Aelin and Rowan as they exchange rings, symbolizes their unbreakable commitment to each other. It speaks to the depth of their Love and Mating Bonds, promising unwavering support and loyalty, no matter the challenges they face.
Significance
These chapters are foundational for the novel's climax, setting key plotlines into motion. Aelin's journey of recovery begins, establishing the internal battle she must wage. The siege of Anielle begins in earnest, raising the personal stakes for Chaol and Yrene. The conflict between Manon and Dorian establishes their separate but intertwined missions: recruiting the Ironteeth and Dorian's perilous infiltration of Morath. This section effectively splits the narrative into three distinct, high-stakes fronts.
Analysis
Sarah J. Maas uses sharp contrasts in pacing and tone to heighten tension and emotional depth. Aelin's storyline is slow, claustrophobic, and introspective, mirroring her psychological state. The journey through the dark river is a metaphor for her journey through her own trauma. The sudden appearance of the "sea of stars" is a masterful use of imagery, providing a moment of catharsis. This quiet struggle is juxtaposed with the escalating tension at Anielle, where the bone drums create an atmosphere of dread. The explosive argument between Manon and Dorian provides a burst of emotional conflict, revealing how love and fear are intertwined. By weaving these disparate threads together, Maas builds a complex tapestry of war, showing that the battles within are just as crucial as the battles fought on the field.