Commander Ryatt and his army land their timberwings at Highbell Castle, finding the city and mountainside scarred by rot, a clear sign that Slade has been there. They meet Manu, who confirms that Slade cleared the fae from Highbell before leaving for Seventh Kingdom with Queen Malina. This news provides Ryatt immense relief that Slade is still alive.

That evening, the allied forces rest in the looted golden castle. Ryatt rallies the troops for the final battle, acknowledging the danger but expressing hope. The next morning, a combined army of nearly 100 Orean soldiers depart for Seventh Kingdom, prepared to face the fae at the bridge.

In a fae army camp, Emonie wakes in the prison cart. When she asks for water, a guard spits in her face. From her cage, she witnesses King Carrick berating two identical fae, furious that a single Orean defeated his soldiers and created a barrier at the bridge. Learning his forces in Highbell are also unresponsive, Carrick decides to handle the invasion of Orea himself. He orders the full “second wave” of his army to march to the bridge, while another contingent heads for the city of Lydia.