The chapter shifts to Xaden's point of view as he arrives at a hidden canyon south of Draithus, having been summoned against his will. He finds Sgaeyl wounded, bleeding, and ensnared in a net. The sight fills him with rage and determination. Two venin guard the canyon entrance, and a third figure—Berwyn, Xaden's Sage and father, whom Xaden believed he had killed—steps forward to confront former Commandant Panchek, who has been revealed as the traitor who sold information to the enemy, including Violet's location, and lured them all to Draithus.

Xaden also sees a "new brother"—someone he never expected to turn venin—guarding an unconscious dragon deeper in the valley alongside seven wyvern. Xaden realizes he cannot physically kill Berwyn due to the bond between Sage and initiate, nor can he abandon Sgaeyl. Berwyn demonstrates a terrifying new capability: using an alloy-hilted dagger to kill and desiccate Panchek's dragon, threatening to do the same to Sgaeyl unless Xaden channels deeper into dark power. Panchek, who made a deal for power, protests but is ignored.

Faced with the imminent death of Sgaeyl, Xaden makes a devastating choice. He drops to one knee, places his hand on the canyon floor, and draws power directly from the earth's source of magic—fully turning venin in what he calls his "final act of resistance." Shadow erupts massively: he kills the two venin guards, knocks Berwyn and the unnamed new brother unconscious, frees Sgaeyl from her net, and extends his shadows outward over all of Draithus. He destroys every wyvern in the city, in the air, on the ground, and at the pass, saving Dain, Cath, Imogen, and the defenders. He even reaches Violet's location, shoving the Maven to the ground and gently sliding over Violet.

During this eruption, Violet's voice saying "I love you" cracks through his emotional numbness, and a thread of warmth lodges within him. He clings to his love for her as the last piece of his humanity, knowing that if he pushes further, even that will be consumed. He forces himself to stop and withdraws his hand from the ground.

Afterward, Sgaeyl rises, bloodied but free, and silently rebukes Xaden. He asks if she will forsake him. She examines what remains of his soul and is alarmed—red veins now branch from his eyes like Violet's lightning. Xaden reveals he has a plan that requires Violet's help, banking on a favor someone owes him and on Violet's love. Sgaeyl warns that Tairn will resist, especially since Violet is unconscious and injured. Sgaeyl also reports the wards have been completed but only extend as far as Draithus. Xaden begs Sgaeyl to persuade Tairn, and she agrees they will ask Violet, whose decision will determine their fate. They take flight within a minute.