Secrets Beneath the Surface

Day 5

Chapters 29-35

Velaris After Dark

Velaris at night is everything Rhysand promised - breathtaking, vibrant, and alive. But it wasn’t just Feyre and Rhysand strolling the city; the entire Inner Circle joined in, filling the evening with laughter and warmth. Their riverside dinner felt like something they did regularly, the restaurant owner greeting them like old friends—cheek kisses for most, a respectful bow for Amren. Even in this lighthearted setting, the conversation turned serious as Rhysand discussed the rising threat of Hybern and its impact on the economy. Amren’s mysterious diet made an appearance, (she drinks blood) and Feyre couldn’t help but wonder if Azriel harbored feelings for Mor.

The river’s reflection of the Rainbow—the Artist’s Quarter—was a moment of visual poetry, a realization that deepened Feyre’s appreciation of Velaris. Then came the bombshell: Rhysand once invited Amren to his bed. Her laughter echoed Feyre’s disbelief. Yet beneath the humor, Rhysand continued to hint at the loss of his family, still withholding the full story. The secrecy surrounding Velaris itself was staggering—even the Court of Nightmares doesn’t know it exists.

But the true emotional crescendo came during Feyre’s walk home. A melody drifted from a group of musicians—the same uplifting tune she thought she hallucinated in Amarantha’s dungeon. Rhysand sent that song and the images of Velaris to her to keep her from breaking. That revelation, paired with Feyre and Rhysand’s flirtatious note-passing and her first time sleeping through the night, marked the beginning of something deeper. This is where I think Feyre began to realize what Rhysand means to her.

Sparring & Searing Truths

Feyre’s fighting lessons with Cassian began, and with them came a flood of emotion. Across the sparring ring, Azriel and Rhysand trained shirtless—Feyre’s artistic mind immediately conjured a painting: Death on Swift Wings. It was the first time she saw their Illyrian tattoos, and noticed how hers mirrored theirs. That spark of creativity was a sign—Feyre was healing.

Cassian, ever the gentle warrior, asked about the letter Feyre sent to Tamlin. The question cracked something open. As her fists connected with his skin, her power surged, burning through the pads. But Cassian didn’t flinch. His upraised palms remained steady, his quiet “I’m alright” offering her space to release the pain. Feyre finally voiced the guilt that had consumed her: “I killed them” and “It should have been me.”

Rhysand, as always, was there. He didn’t just comfort her—he taught her that darkness could be anything she needed: terrifying, soothing, restful. It was hers to shape.

Summer Court Bound

The invitation to the Summer Court arrived, and Feyre, Amren, and Rhysand prepared to depart. Cassian, banned for life due to a mysterious building-demolishing incident, stayed behind. Feyre’s arrival with the Night Court raised questions—especially given Rhysand’s history with the previous High Lord of Summer and the rumors surrounding her departure from Spring.

In Adriata, they met Tarquin, the new High Lord, along with Princess Cressida and Prince Varian. Feyre noticed the absence of lesser fae, a detail that hinted at deeper inequalities. During dinner, the conversation turned to Hybern, but Cressida’s comment about notifying Tamlin shifted the mood. Rhysand’s response was chillingly protective - reminding them that Feyre’s sacrifices demanded respect, and any attempt to return her to Tamlin would be met with deadly consequences. Even the sea breeze seemed to pause.

Jealousy & Justice

Tarquin’s quiet confession about wanting justice for the lesser fae revealed a heart beneath the crown. But politics weren’t the only tension—jealousy simmered on both sides. Rhysand flirted with Cressida, and Feyre felt the sting. Later, Tarquin offered Feyre a necklace of black diamonds as thanks for her role Under the Mountain. The gesture was layered with grief—Brutius, the High Lord Rhysand killed, was Tarquin’s cousin.

Rhysand saw the exchange, heard Feyre’s words to Tarquin, and felt the ache. Love, he thought, would always be easy for someone like Tarquin. That vulnerability, that quiet jealousy, added depth to Rhysand’s character and complexity to their growing bond.

The Book Beneath the Tide

Two days into their stay, Feyre still hadn’t located the book. But on her way back to the castle, she spotted a small building only visible at low tide. Her instincts flared. Using her power, she infiltrated Tarquin’s mind—confirming the book’s location while planting thoughts to deflect suspicion.

The plan was set. Feyre and Amren would go in. Rhysand would watch the shadows.

Final Thoughts

These chapters shimmer with emotional breakthroughs and political intrigue. Feyre’s healing is no longer passive - it’s active, fierce, and beautifully flawed. Velaris remains her sanctuary, but the Summer Court tests her resolve. Rhysand’s protectiveness, Cassian’s quiet strength, and Feyre’s growing agency all converge in this pivotal stretch. The tide is shifting—and Feyre is learning to swim.

As Feyre steps deeper into her power and the politics of Prythian, we’re witnessing not just a shift in alliances—but a shift in identity. These chapters gave us laughter by the river, tears in the sparring ring, and secrets hidden beneath the tide. Whether it was Cassian’s quiet strength, Rhysand’s protective fury, or Feyre’s growing agency, each moment added a new thread to the tapestry of her transformation.

Court of Dreams: Your Voice Matters

Our Day 5 poll asked: Which moment from chapters 29–35 has stayed with you? And the results were as emotionally layered as the chapters themselves. Tied for the lead at 40% were two powerful scenes: Feyre hearing the dungeon melody in real time—an uplifting echo of Rhysand’s silent support - and the water wraith rescue, a moment of unexpected payback. Tarquin’s gift of the black diamond necklace followed with 20%, its gesture heavy with grief and gratitude. And while Cassian’s quiet “I’m alright” didn’t receive votes this time, its emotional weight still lingers in the hearts of many.

These results remind us that healing, sacrifice, and connection come in many forms—and each reader resonates with a different thread in the tapestry.

Now I’d love to hear more from you: Which scene stirred something in you? Did Feyre’s infiltration of Tarquin’s mind feel like a turning point? How did you interpret Rhysand’s jealousy—and Feyre’s? And what do you think the Summer Court truly sees when they look at her?

Drop your thoughts in the comments, vote in today’s poll, or share your favorite quote from chapters 29–35. Your voice is part of this Court of Dreams—so let it shine.