What happened to Sunfyre after Rook's Rest in House of the Dragon?

House of the Dragon Season 2, Episode 5 opened with the head of Meleys bring brought through the streets of King’s Landing. We also learned of Aegon’s fate. What about the dragon Sunfyre, though?

Caution: This post contains spoilers from House of the Dragon Season 2, Episode 5.

Sunfyre and Aegon went down during the Battle at Rook’s Rest. We learned in the new episode that Aegon is close to death. He has suffered with burns across half of his body and multiple broken bones. However, he was brought back to King’s Landing. There is some hope for him.

What about his dragon, though? Is Sunfyre still alive? Will the show make substantial changes to the book storyline when it comes to Sunfyre?

Rhaenyra hints Sunfyre is dead in House of the Dragon

The Greens don’t mention Sunfyre at all throughout the episode. They care more about their king and the regency, which isn’t that surprising. Alicent was always going to care about her son than his dragon, and King’s Landing needs a regent.

The mention of Sunfyre comes at the end of the episode, and it’s via Rhaenyra. She hints to Jacaerys that Sunfyre is dead. She doesn’t use those words specifically, but it’s clear that she believes that the Greens lost a dragon. At least, that’s who I’m assuming they’re talking about, and it’s not about Meleys.

With no mention and no confirmation that Sunfyre is dead, though, it means the series could still follow the book storyline. And it needs to. Sunfyre still has a major part to play in the Dance of the Dragons.

Sunfyre is likely still at Rook’s Rest in House of the Dragon

According to the book, Sunfyre had to be left at Rook’s Rest. He was injured by Meleys, with his wing half ripped off. Sunfyre needs time to recover.

We learn in the book that Cole orders for men to remain with Sunfyre. The dragon feeds on the dead from the battle, and then turns to sheep that Cole’s men bring him. It takes time, but Sunfyre eventually heals enough to be able to fly again.

There is a battle between Aegon/Sunfyre and Baela/Moondancer. Considering this is such a big moment with the end of more dragons, we need to see it play out. With no mention of Sunfyre so far, we can believe that men stayed at Rook’s Rest and he is healing from his wounds.