Summary

In Chapter 69, Cassian and Azriel continue to watch Eris from a short distance. Eris confronts Cassian and Briallyn then commands them to come with her. Cassian is not certain he and Azriel are under the thrall of the Crown. They arrive near the lake and Cassian discovers none of the group is real except Eris. Koschei reveals himself from the lake.

Meanwhile, Nesta, Gwyn, and Emerie are struggling. Nesta carries Gwyn part of the way. A group of males is catching up and dawn is approaching. When Nesta falls, she knows they may not survive until dawn, let alone reach the summit. Nesta becomes determined to fight the males at a bottleneck in the past – as an ancient Illyrian warrior had once done. Gwyn argues until Nesta uses a hold to render her unconscious. Emerie has a sprained ankle but agrees to carry...