Crown of Midnight

Chaol remembers Cain taunting Celaena at the tournament about her parents’ murder. She was only eight years old and woke up covered in her parents’ blood. The King of Adarlan’s forces had invaded Terrasen, and many people were killed for getting in the way. Chaol also wonders what Nehemia could be hiding to need to be watched. Nehemia says that Celaena won’t be back until after nightfall, so he goes on his morning run alone.

Celaena walks in a small forest in the foothills above Rifthold, thinking back to the day she attacked the guards and overseers at the Endovier Salt Mine and went on a rampage that left over 20 men dead. She killed the first with a pickaxe before using it to break her shackles. She walked through the mine, killing as she went, including four overseers she saw rape and murder a female slave. She was eventually surrounded and taken down by 40 guards inches from the compound wall and freedom.

Chaol is waiting for her in the foyer when she returns after midnight. He follows her into her bedroom; after she changes into a nightgown, she sees the chocolate cake he brought her. She walks to him, and they embrace.