Chapter Summaries

Rowan's group fought their way into the Tower Teleportation Engine, where Gleazer exposed them and attacked with reflected beams. After Capernian was badly wounded, Rowan healed her, then dismissed her embarrassment about his wandering hand as a fuss over nothing.

• Capernian reported that the second floor held fewer Evil Eyes, and Rowan's group eliminated the first-floor scouts before the demons raised the alarm.
• Rowan and Sylvanas killed four Evil Eyes on the second floor while three others hid in the tower's defenses.
• Tormontorum and Gleazer argued over whether to activate the engine or stop the intruders, then agreed to split their tasks.
• Gleazer used mirrors and Insight Ray to expose Rowan's group and attack them, while Rowan scattered the beams with water that struck the mirrors.
• Gleazer's stronger beams shattered Capernian's barrier and wounded her, so Rowan healed her with Rain of Tranquility.
• Capernian objected when Rowan touched her after healing the wound, and Rowan told her she was making a fuss over nothing.

Rowan and his companions defeated Gleazer and Tormontorum, seized the crystal powering the Legion’s teleportation engine, and stopped thousands of demons from reaching Southshore. The story then shifted to Felwood, where Tyrande asked the Wardens to release Illidan so he could help the Night Elves, but Sela Moonwarden refused.

• Rowan reflected Gleazer’s focused beam back at him, and Rowan, Sylvanas, and Capernian killed the beholder lord.
• Rowan’s team reached the engine control room, where Sylvanas and Capernian attacked Tormontorum while Rowan noticed the blue crystal at the engine’s core.
• Rowan seized the crystal, collapsing the portal route and sending thousands of demons back to the Twisting Nether.
• Capernian killed the incapacitated Tormontorum, and Rowan arranged for the group to return to Southshore with a Teleportation Anchor.
• In Felwood, Tyrande visited Illidan’s dungeon cell and asked Sela Moonwarden to release him so he could aid the Night Elves.
• Sela Moonwarden refused to release Illidan, warning Tyrande that they could not free the demon.

Azgalor captured Southshore at a devastating cost, then pursued Rowan and attacked him with Domataks. Thrall and Zuluhed rescued Rowan, while Sylvanas and Capernian escaped separately.

• Azgalor ordered the Legion to storm Southshore after the tower Teleportation Engine was destroyed.
• Leonard withdrew the Kul Tiras defenders as the demons broke through the city's defenses, and Lord Ashvane and Jaina led the fleet's successful retreat under heavy bombardment.
• Azgalor counted ten thousand Legion casualties and learned that Rowan was hiding near a Teleportation Matrix to the north.
• Domataks trapped Rowan, Sylvanas, and Capernian with a Fel Shield, and Azgalor recognized Rowan and charged him.
• Thrall and Zuluhed rescued Rowan from Azgalor, while Sylvanas and Capernian left the battlefield; Rowan and Zuluhed then complained about carrying him by mouth.

Rowan and Thrall discussed peace and the future of the orcs after Thrall rescued Rowan from the Legion Demons. Thrall agreed to try to unite the orcs under his leadership, while Rowan departed with Zuluhed for Stromgarde.

• Zuluhed restrained himself from attacking Rowan despite Rowan's taunts, while Kromush also failed to reach Rowan after Zuluhed knocked him down.
• Rowan spoke with Taretha and learned that she had chosen to trust Thrall despite being condemned by other humans.
• Thrall returned from meeting the Frostwolf Clan's scouts and assured himself that Rowan was unharmed before beginning talks with him.
• Thrall sought peace, and Rowan said he was willing to trust Thrall but required him to unite and control the orcs himself.
• Rowan asked Zuluhed to take him to Stromgarde, and Zuluhed said he would return to his homeland if the Horde was reborn.
• Rowan urged Zuluhed to seek revenge on the Burning Legion, but Zuluhed insisted his loyalty belonged only to his clan.

Jaina confronted Sylvanas over Rowan’s disappearance, but the two women admitted their love for him and reunited with him when he arrived in Menethil Harbor. After the Southshore battle, Rowan mourned his fallen soldiers, while Tyrande freed Illidan and watched him leave to pursue his own path.

• Jaina questioned Sylvanas and Capernian about Rowan, then sent Capernian away so she and Sylvanas could speak privately.
• Jaina and Sylvanas argued over their devotion to Rowan until they discovered him eavesdropping, then each took one of his arms.
• Rowan explained that he had never expected to hold Southshore and had used it to weaken the Burning Legion, then returned from the banquet grieving his dead soldiers.
• Sylvanas comforted Rowan until he fell asleep, and Jaina invited her to share a bath and sleep with them.
• Tyrande knocked Sera Moonwarden unconscious, used her key to free Illidan, and stopped herself from killing Sera after Illidan left the dungeon.
• Illidan told Tyrande he still cared for her but owed nothing to her or his people, then disappeared into the Underground Passage.

Rowan shared a tender morning with Jaina, then planned with Sylvanas to locate and destroy the Burning Legion’s teleportation hub on the Broken Shore. He studied the stolen Light-Energy Crystal and later met Medivh, who returned with teleportation materials as they prepared to discuss more urgent matters.

• Jaina prepared Rowan soup dumplings, and after breakfast they shared an intimate moment while she rested.
• Rowan asked Sylvanas to scout the Broken Isles with the Combined Fleet, but she chose to stay with him and help organize the Shadow Blade Organization for a possible strike on the Legion’s teleportation core.
• Rowan explained that the stolen Light-Energy Crystal might resonate with a device on the Broken Shore, and he planned to study it and seek a way to detect the connection.
• Rowan discussed the crystal with the system, which admitted it did not know its origins but said it might come from a distant realm beyond Azeroth.
• Rowan charged the crystal and found that it consumed energy, then Medivh returned carrying a teleportation book and two Purple Crystals.

Farondis, Elisande, and Thalyssra suspected that a Legion hunter was targeting the Tidestone and planned to contact Rowan while drawing the demon’s attention. At Astranaar, Illidan rescued the wounded Jarod and unleashed his demonic power against the invading Legion, then shared a tense but respectful exchange with him.

• Elisande and Thalyssra stopped Farondis from attacking the Legion hunter, and Farondis regained his composure and focused on finding a way to save his people.
• Farondis, Elisande, and Thalyssra concluded that the hunter might be after the Tidestone, so they planned to contact Rowan and spread information to draw the demon out.
• Jarod ordered the defenders to hold Astranaar while civilians escaped, then fought the Doom Lords until he was gravely wounded and collapsed.
• Illidan arrived, rescued Jarod, and slaughtered the demons with the Warglaives of Azzinoth before absorbing their souls and transforming into a demon.
• After the battle ended, Illidan returned to his elven form and Jarod thanked him, while Illidan questioned whether Jarod would try to imprison him like his sister had.

Medivh and Rowan identified the Light-Energy Crystal as technology from another universe and decided to study it before the Burning Legion could exploit it. Medivh reopened the Dark Portal to Draenor and arrived in Shattrath, where he reunited with Khadgar.

• Medivh examined the Light-Energy Crystal with Rowan and concluded that its energy came from another universe.
• Rowan agreed to investigate the civilization behind the crystal, and Medivh took it to the Magic Industrial Zone before traveling to Nethergarde Keep.
• Medivh used the Teleportation Art to locate shattered Draenor through the Astral Realm and reactivate the Dark Portal.
• Khadgar continued rebuilding the Draenei mage system in Shattrath and spent time with Yrel and Samara.
• Medivh appeared behind Khadgar, who recognized his former master in shock.

Rowan learned that the Burning Legion had attacked the Court of Farondis for Prince Farondis’s Tidestone and suspected Gul’dan was gathering the Pillars of Creation, so he decided to go to Suramar. On Draenor, Khadgar resisted Medivh’s attempt to tempt him with the Guardian’s power, then learned from Prophet Velen that the Exodar was nearly ready to leave.

• Rowan saw that Kul Tiras’s Council for Mutual Economic Assistance had unified the Eastern Kingdoms’ trade market, then discussed intelligence redeployment with Number Zero and Number Seven.
• Number Zero gave Rowan a letter from Archmage Thalyssra reporting that a Legion hunter had attacked the Court of Farondis to seize Prince Farondis’s Tidestone.
• Rowan suspected Gul’dan was pursuing the Pillars of Creation and the Eye of Aman’Thul, so he put his plans on hold and decided to go to Suramar.
• Medivh offered Khadgar the Guardian’s power, but Khadgar recognized the temptation, destroyed the spellbook, and drove Medivh away.
• Prophet Velen visited Khadgar and told him that the Exodar was nearly finished and they needed to prepare to leave.

Jaina persuaded Sylvanas to accompany Rowan to Suramar and keep an eye on him, while Rowan learned that the Nightwell might be reviving. Meanwhile, Velen prepared to take the Draenei back to Azeroth with Medivh’s help, and Khadgar faced the prospect of leaving with them.

• Jaina visited Sylvanas, offered to treat her as a friend, and persuaded her to travel with Rowan to Suramar.
• Rowan and Sylvanas traveled to Suramar, where Oculeth reported that arcane energy was flowing through the corridor and the Nightwell appeared to be reviving.
• Velen told Khadgar that the Draenei would return to Azeroth and asked for his help bringing the Expeditionary Force along.
• Velen revealed to Medivh that he had verified Medivh’s claim and that the Book of Medivh provided the route to Azeroth.
• Khadgar worked on a Charged Core intended to restore ancient Lightforging technology, then Yrel asked him to leave with her.

Farondis fought Imonar to defend his people, but Imonar banished his soul before Elisande and Thalyssra could rescue him. Illidan embraced fel energy and set out on his path of vengeance, refusing Malfurion’s offer to seek help from Lord Rowan.

• Farondis confronted Imonar outside the Astrologer's Tower and unleashed fire, frost, and arcane spells against him.
• Imonar used a Maw gem to banish Farondis's soul, but Elisande and Thalyssra rescued him before Imonar could capture him.
• After departing Astranaar, Illidan used the remaining pure water at Nordrassil to restore himself and steady the fel energy within him.
• Malfurion found Illidan and urged him to leave Kalimdor, but Illidan declared himself a Demon Hunter devoted to vengeance.
• Illidan warned Malfurion to care for Tyrande and suggested he work with Lord Rowan, then rejected the idea of relying on anyone.

Rowan and Sylvanas reached Nar'thalas Academy, where Farondis was gravely wounded by a Legion artifact that could burn souls. Meanwhile, Maiev struggled with Illidan's escape, and Illidan followed the Legion to Winterspring, where he learned of Gul'dan's changed plans.

• Rowan and Sylvanas discussed Azshara's cruelty and their relationship as Silgryn led them through Nar'thalas Academy.
• Rowan found Elisande, Thalyssra, and a badly injured Farondis, who explained that Imonar's Soul-Eater Gem had nearly destroyed his soul and broken Azshara's curse.
• Rowan identified the gem's power as belonging to the Shadowlands and sent Sylvanas to retrieve Devos while Elisande and Thalyssra opened a portal.
• Maiev arrived at the Warden Dungeon after Illidan had escaped, rejected Sela Moonwarden's defense of him, and vowed to hunt him down.
• Illidan followed the Legion flagship to Frostwhisper Gorge, overheard Mannoroth say Gul'dan had changed the plan, and decided to warn Shandris Feathermoon while considering Gul'dan's skull as a source of power.

Rowan planned to exchange himself for the Tidestone to rescue Prince Farondis's captive Night Watch, but Thalyssra and Elisande refused to help him die if the plan went wrong. As Burning Legion warships arrived above Nar'thalas Academy, Elisande took Rowan aside and began to ask him something privately.

• Rowan poured Artifact Energy into Prince Farondis, slowing the destruction of his soul, and Thalyssra brought the Old Dean of Nar'thalas Academy to care for him.
• Rowan, Elisande, and Thalyssra discussed Imonar and planned to use the Tidestone to rescue the Night Watch without facing the demon head-on.
• Rowan proposed offering himself in exchange, with the sisters killing him if the Burning Legion captured him and prevented his escape through an Arcane Shadow.
• Thalyssra and Elisande refused to kill Rowan, and Thalyssra explained that seeing him appear to die would be unbearable.
• Void Warships roared above Nar'thalas Academy, and Elisande drew Rowan into a soundproof room, beginning to ask whether he could try to do something.

Devos and Sylvanas reached Nar’thalas Academy, where Devos healed Prince Farondis and promised to help him save his people without erasing his memories. Meanwhile, Rowan confronted Imonar over the Tidestone and persuaded him to pull back his demon troops, while activating the Heart of Azeroth.

• Devos sensed the Maw’s soul-devouring flames in Azeroth and abandoned the reconnaissance mission to investigate their source.
• Sylvanas led Devos through the Dream Portal to Nar’thalas Academy, where demons and Void Warships threatened the ruins.
• Devos healed Farondis and offered to erase his painful memories, but he refused and pleaded for help because his people needed him.
• Rowan faced Imonar in the academy tower and used the Tidestone to negotiate while probing the demon hunter for information.
• Imonar ordered the demon troops to withdraw toward the Void Warship’s Teleportation Beacon, and Rowan activated the Heart of Azeroth as he tried to recruit him.

Prince Farondis and his allies defeated Imonar's assault on the Court of Farondis, but Imonar escaped before Sa'ella killed him in the forest. At the Nighthold, Kil'jaeden blamed Gul'dan for underestimating Rowan's growth as the Legion's setbacks mounted.

• Imonar used the Soul Abyss Gem and a storm of infernal rockets to attack the Court of Farondis, but Devos stopped the Maw fire and Farondis's Arcane annihilation destroyed the Void Warship and over a thousand demons.
• Farondis weakened himself defeating the Legion, while Thalyssra and Elisande helped the Court's people drive off the remaining demons; Devos was hurt, so Thalyssra froze her to take her to Rowan.
• Imonar fled Azsuna and planned to seek work with the Jailer, but Sa'ella used shadow tendrils to destroy him after he threatened her people.
• Tichondrius reported Illidan's demon-slaying record to Gul'dan, who decided to give Illidan a small opening and see what he would do.
• Kil'jaeden told Gul'dan that Imonar had failed and Rowan had taken the Tidestone, then warned him that he had given Rowan too much room to grow.

Elisande brought the critically ill Devos to Rowan’s Magic Industrial Zone, where doctors treated her and diagnosed severe damage to her soul. After Devos stabilized, Rowan spent time with Sylvanas and later escorted Elisande to the beach, where they discussed love before she returned to Suramar.

• Thalyssra let Elisande take her place escorting Devos and Sylvanas to Kul Tiras, and Oculeth opened the portal to the Magic Industrial Zone.
• Sylvanas brought Elisande and Devos to Rowan, who arranged an urgent hospital transfer and asked Xal'atath and Alodi to assist.
• Bishop Joseph reported that Devos was out of immediate danger but had suffered severe backlash to her soul and doubts in her faith.
• Rowan apologized to Sylvanas for snapping at her, and they reconciled with a kiss in the hospital stairwell.
• After Devos woke and chose time alone, Rowan took Elisande to the beach and discussed his relationships with her.
• Elisande told Rowan he stole people's hearts without meaning to, then left for Suramar through a flash of arcane light.

Khadgar persuaded Yrel to board the Exodar for Azeroth while he stayed behind to protect Shattrath from Magtheridon. Rowan comforted Illucia after telling her that Jandice had been captured, then went to the Research Spire and learned Devos had stabilized.

• Khadgar gave Yrel a puppy-shaped lightforged construct and urged her and her sister to leave Draenor aboard the Exodar.
• Yrel agreed to board after Khadgar promised to follow her to Azeroth, and he prepared energized crystals to use against Magtheridon.
• Rowan told Illucia that Jandice had opened the Legion's first summoning gateway and had been sent to Boralus prison.
• Rowan and Illucia spent the night together, and he told her to prioritize people's safety during her sea voyage.
• Rowan visited the Research Spire, learned Devos had stabilized, and teased Xal'atath about being jealous.

Gul'dan redirected the Burning Legion's main forces toward Lordaeron, while Sargeras reprimanded Kil'jaeden and gave Archimonde authority over the invasion. In Kul Tiras, Rowan helped Devos question the Eternal Trials, and she transformed into a human woman, choosing to remain that way until she found her answer.

• Gul'dan ordered the Burning Legion's main forces to leave Winterspring and attack the Eastern Kingdoms, targeting Lordaeron to divide the Alliance and punish Rowan.
• Sargeras criticized Kil'jaeden for losing two Pillars of Creation, explained how the remaining artifacts could enable his arrival, and assigned Archimonde full authority over the invasion.
• Archimonde and Kil'jaeden reconciled in Hasabel's Teleportation Hall and agreed that Gul'dan had to be killed before Sargeras arrived.
• Devos told Rowan that the Maw's fire had awakened emotions the Eternal Trials were meant to erase, and Rowan argued that true ascension meant overcoming inner darkness rather than suppressing it.
• Devos's wings disappeared as she transformed into a human woman, borrowed a dress from Rowan, and said she would keep that form until she found her answer.

Rowan inspected the Guardian Temple’s fission-energy research and watched the Light-Energy Crystal project a Zerg-ruined Aiur. Meanwhile, Ysera sought the Winter Queen’s help reviving Wild Gods, but learned Ardenweald’s anima was running low and the Heart of the Forest was in crisis.

• Rowan visited the Guardian Temple, where Skevyn showed him powerful arcane fission-energy cores and warned that their reaction process required great care.
• The Guardian elders activated the Light-Energy Crystal, which projected a ruined world overrun by Zerg; Rowan recognized it as Aiur before the image faded.
• After helping restore the Emerald Dream, Ysera traveled in spirit form to Ardenweald and learned from Lord Moonberry that the Heart of the Forest and anima supply were failing.
• Ysera went with Moonberry and Hearn to meet the Winter Queen and asked her to hasten the rebirth of the Wild Gods who had died in Azeroth.
• The Winter Queen told Ysera she could not help because Ardenweald’s anima was running low, then invited her to discuss the crisis.

Number Zero, Dolores, and Tonya investigated the Burning Legion’s hub on the Broken Shore and discovered its commanders were preparing to change targets. In Ardenweald, the Winter Queen warned Ysera that the Jailer’s restraints were weakening and that the Maw had opened a passage beneath Oribos, prompting Ysera to return to Azeroth to help Rowan.

• Dolores and Tonya argued over Number Zero until he gave them a mission document ordering them to travel to the Broken Isles.
• Number Zero, Dolores, and Tonya reached the Tomb of Sargeras, evaded demon commanders, and watched the Legion’s teleportation hub.
• Number Zero saw that Azgalor, Tichondrius, Krosus, and Mephistroth had returned from Kalimdor, indicating that the Legion was changing its target.
• The Winter Queen confronted Ysera about her feelings for Rowan and learned that he already had many wives.
• The Winter Queen told Ysera that Zodick’s restraints were weakening and the Maw had opened a passage beneath Oribos, so Ysera prepared to return to Azeroth and help Rowan.