After returning to Basgiath, Violet and the squad are separated and individually questioned for twelve hours each by leadership and scribes. General Aetos inadvertently reveals that King Tauri has forbidden any punishment for Aaric, which relieves Violet, though the marathon debriefings continue. Violet worries whether the interrogators are probing for inconsistencies or suspect the group had more guidance than rare texts. Markham observes some sessions with visible jealousy. Mira and Garrick are sent back to the front at Draithus; Drake departs for Cordyn; Brennan arrives to mend Violet's ribs; and Xaden is pulled into Senarium meetings while resuming his professor duties. The rest return to classes.

At Battle Brief, Violet and her friends discover that during their three-week absence, roughly half of Krovla has fallen to dark wielders, with Suniva being just one of many lost cities. Devera and Kiandra lead a detailed dissection of Suniva's fall: twelve venin on twelve wyvern flew into the city concealed within a thunderstorm, split into coordinated units, set the textile district ablaze, and targeted the palace and armory. Approximately twenty-five thousand people died, including Queen Maraya, nearly all four resident drifts, and most of a riot of riders. Six crates of alloy-hilted daggers—freshly delivered for distribution—were stolen, and Devera confirms there are traitors leaking intelligence to the venin.

Violet deduces that Theophanie, the venin's lightning wielder, guided the horde safely through the storm, started the fire, and killed the dragons—feats requiring Maven-level power. When Devera asks who could counter such an attack, Rhiannon names Violet, arguing she could strike into the cloud and take out approaching wyvern and their lightning wielder, provided Violet remains undetected. Violet privately acknowledges she is far from Theophanie's level, but notes one advantage: Theophanie wants her alive. Xaden briefly appears at Battle Brief and asks what was in the armory before leaving without further interaction, his shields still up on their bond.

After class, Ridoc pushes the group to the Archives for a private meeting. Along the way, Rhi confronts Sawyer about not flying yet; Sawyer reveals he's been working on adjusting his prosthesis for mounting but isn't ready. Jesinia meets them and hands Violet a soft package from a seamstress in Chantara, intercepted before Aetos could open it. In a private study room, Ridoc pressures Violet to fulfill their agreement. With her friends gathered—Rhiannon, Sawyer, and Jesinia—Violet finally tells them the truth: Xaden is slowly turning venin. Rhiannon leans forward and demands she explain.