Library Beneath the House of Wind

After the King of Hybern sundered the library's wards, two Ravens entered disguised as elderly scholars and used mind violation to secure a priestess's welcome. The creature in the library's deepest region killed the intruders, but the breach damaged the sanctuary's sense of safety for its residents and for Rhysand, who had also regarded the library as a place of healing. New wards were erected afterward and explained to the priestesses.

The library is carved beneath the House of Wind, with levels descending deep into the mountain and rising back toward the House. Entry and safety depend on the priestesses' permission and magical oaths. It also operates under magical conditions distinct from the rest of the House, allowing Rhysand to winnow within it despite the House's normal restriction.

The priestesses retain authority over access to the deeper levels. Outsiders must secure permission before entering their sanctuary, even when they already have access to the House above.

The archive spirals around a central pit that drops into darkness, with numerous levels extending through the surrounding mountain. Its permanent facilities include shelves of books and parchment, reading areas, lamps, rugs, and fireplaces screened to protect the collections.

The library also contains offices and living quarters, including dormitories with glamoured windows concealed from anyone viewing the mountainside.

Level Six borders the library's deepest gloom, while Level Four provides comparatively safer ground above it. The darkness below is unnaturally oppressive and seems capable of following some priestesses as far as their doors.

A massive red-stone worship cavern forms part of the sanctuary, furnished with pews and a dais. Its acoustics carry the priestesses' singing through the surrounding stone.

The library preserves extensive written collections for study, but its standing purpose also includes refuge and sanctuary. The priestesses govern the sanctuary themselves rather than merely occupying a facility controlled by the court.

Clotho can use a spelled bell to alert the Night Court when danger breaches the sanctuary.

The library forms part of Nesta's imposed daily routine, with each afternoon assigned to work there under Clotho's supervision.

The library operates as a structured workplace under Clotho's oversight. Even a brief outing that delays arrival by a few hours requires prior clearance rather than being left to an individual's convenience.

Its collections support the priestesses' study of military strategy, Valkyrie lore, and ancient techniques as well as broader scholarship. Regular evening services provide a shared religious and musical practice within the sanctuary.

Bryaxis regards the library's deepest region as its home, though wards confine it beneath the central pit. Feyre's negotiation with the creature includes discussion of those wards and the possibility of severing them.

Dozens of priestesses live or work throughout the library, pursuing study, labor, and healing. Some residents remain within the sanctuary permanently and never return to the outside world.

Gwyn was brought to the library after Sangravah and rebuilt a basic routine there through counseling, work, and evening services. The sanctuary gave her a long-term home when she could no longer bear to remain at the temple.

Gwyn continues to choose the library as her home after surviving the Blood Rite. Although the House of Wind is given to Nesta and Cassian, the library remains set aside for the priestesses rather than forming part of that gift.