Trauma, Troves and Thirst

Day 3

Chapters 17-24

This week’s chapters were a rollercoaster of emotional gut-punches, steamy tension, and long-overdue confrontations. Nesta’s journey continues to unravel with raw vulnerability, messy relationships, and the first flickers of transformation. If you’ve been waiting for the moment when someone finally calls her out, or when she starts to step up, this section of chapters delivers.

Silence and Spite

No one signed up for training. Elain visits to check on her, offering a quiet olive branch—and Nesta snaps it in half. Her cruelty peaks as she blames Elain for their father’s death, a moment so brutal it left me speechless. It was so surprising because it was Elain that Nesta went to great lengths to protect. It’s not just sibling tension, it’s trauma weaponized.

Vulnerability and a Kiss

Cassian and Nesta continue to bond. He opens up about his involvement in the destruction of his childhood village, admitting it took him ten years to face that pain. His message to Nesta? Take all the time you need. And then she kisses him. It’s a crack in the armor she’s been wearing since book one.

The Heat Rises

Things escalate between Nesta and Cassian. The sexual tension that’s been simmering between them finally boils over.

Secrets of the Dread Trove

Azriel uncovers Briallyn’s plan to reclaim her youth using the Cauldron, which is still hidden with Drakon and Miryam. But the real bombshell? The Dread Trove. Koschei reveals its existence to Briallyn. They are three legendary objects forged by the Cauldron itself:

• The Mask: Raises and commands the dead. It’s a death mask, molded from the face of a long-forgotten king.

• The Harp: Opens any door, physical or otherwise, even between worlds.

• The Crown: Influences anyone, no matter how strong their mental shields.

Elain Unleashed

Elain finally says what I’ve been screaming since A Court of Frost and Starlight: Nesta has been acting like she’s the only one who’s suffered. Elain’s line: “and yet somehow all you think of is what my trauma did to you” is a dagger to the heart.

What caused the confrontation between Elain and Nesta, is that Elain volunteered to use her power to locate the trove. Nesta doesn’t want her to, and asks Feyre why she isn’t the one to go. And then, Feyre drops the bomb: she’s two months pregnant. Cassian’s joy at becoming an uncle is pure sunshine, and Nesta’s quiet promise to Rhysand that she’d never harm Feyre or the baby? A rare moment of grace. Oh, and the baby’s a boy. Remember the Bone Carver’s appearance to Feyre? I got chills. This also information about her pregnancy that Feyre made sure Nesta was the first to know.

Score Settled

Cassian decides it’s time to finish what they started. After leaving Nesta unsatisfied the night before, he returns with intention.

Nesta’s Fantasy Files

Nesta’s mind wanders to a spicy little scenario involving both Cassian and Azriel. Yes, you read that right. Nesta is freaky, and we love her for it. This moment isn’t just steamy—it’s a glimpse into her layered, unapologetic desires.

The Spark of Change

Still no priestesses have signed up for training, but Nesta has an epiphany. Nesta begins practicing in the library and pushes Clotho to the edge. So much so that Cassian is called down to reprimand her. But Nesta flips the moment into a demonstration. The next day? One name appears on the list: Gwyn. And just like that, the tide begins to turn.

Final Thoughts: Nesta’s Breaking Point or Breakthrough?

Nesta is still raw, still reckless, but the cracks are showing, and through them, light is starting to pour in. Whether you’re cheering her on, side-eyeing her choices, or somewhere in between, this section invites us to reflect on what healing really looks like.

Poll: What’s Your Chapter 17–24 Mood?

Pick your poison:

• Elain telling Nesta that she isn’t the only one

• Cassian and Nesta are my Roman Empire

• Nesta’s fantasy unlocked something in me

• Gwyn’s name on the list gave me hope

Wingspan-Worthy Reactions: Let the Inner Circle Spea

• Which moment made you gasp, cheer, or cry this week?

• Do you think Nesta’s shift is genuine—or just survival mode?

• What’s your theory on the Dread Trove’s deeper purpose?

• If you could rewrite one scene for more emotional impact, which would it be?

Drop your thoughts below or in the comments. Dramatic reactions, spicy theories, and emotional spirals are not only welcome, they’re encouraged!