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Summary: Chapters 53–55

Chapter 53

A week after the duel, Celaena reads in her room, slowly healing. Chaol enters the room to check in on her for the first time since the duel, and she thanks him for saving her from Cain. He is scarred by the experience, and asks how Cain knew about her parents. She lies and says she doesn’t know, though she knows that Cain’s meddling in the spirit worlds had let him see her memories. She starts to thank Chaol again and he makes to leave, but she hugs him tightly. Dorian walks in on them like this, and Chaol exits in haste. Dorian tells her that the contract-signing is tomorrow. He goes to kiss her but she steps away, telling him that she can’t be with him as the King’s Champion; she doesn’t want to get attached only to leave after the four years are up, as her freedom is too important to her. She tells him she wants to stay his friend and he accepts sadly before leaving. 

Read more about Celaena's rejection of Dorian.

Chapter 54

Chaol comes back to Celaena’s rooms that evening, looking for Dorian. Celaena tells him that she ended things with Dorian, and Chaol joins her for dinner. 

In a dream, Celaena stands in Elena’s tomb. Elena tells Celaena that history has misremembered Elena’s deeds, that she used to be a warrior rather than a damsel in distress. She tells Celaena that she could be great, and that she needs to be the King’s Champion in order to be in a position to help others. Elena tells Celaena that she will always be by her side, whispering, “Blood ties can’t be broken” as she disappears. 

Chapter 55

Celaena goes to the throne room to sign the king’s contract. He says she will be free after four years of service, and demands that she thank him for the opportunity. The king makes it clear that should she misstep in any way, he will have Chaol and Nehemia killed, along with their entire families. She signs the contract and leaves with Chaol. As they walk, linking arms, he asks her if she wants to know her first assignment, and she tells him to give it to her tomorrow.

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