Three weeks of grueling Signet Sparring and private training with Felix leave Violet physically exhausted, while news worsens from the western line as dark wielders push toward Draithus. Xaden has been away in Tyrrendor for over ten days, communicating only via the bond, and Andarna remains absent. The squad discusses their upcoming rotation to Aretia under Kaori, Felix, and Panchek, and Sawyer remains undecided about a choice he must make.

As the squad approaches the great hall, they witness the Duke of Calldyr being thrown out by Lewellen during a heated argument. Inside, Xaden arrives and ends the debate, announcing he will open Tyrrendor’s borders to Poromish civilians fleeing the threatened city of Draithus, which he estimates has only weeks before attack. Calldyr and Halden protest, with Halden threatening to bring troops into Tyrrendor. Xaden counters that Aaric’s Aretian affiliation would undermine Halden’s claim, escalating the standoff until Halden storms out.

Violet confirms with Xaden that Tyrrendor will accept any civilians who can reach the Medaro Pass. Xaden adds that wyvern have already pushed near Aretia, and that the cadet rotation should be safe for now but the front could reach them within a month. He refuses to keep cadets at Aretia if it becomes the front line. As they speak, shadows suddenly manifest around Lynx’s hands, surprising everyone.

Xaden calms and coaches Lynx through controlling the shadows, instructing him to find emotional equilibrium. The shadows recede, and Xaden orders Rhiannon to take Lynx to Carr. He then tells Violet that magic has chosen a new balance and identifies Lynx as “the balance,” implying there is now a new shadow wielder. Xaden says Aetos asked for his resignation due to his absences, and he agrees that he should not remain at Basgiath.

Violet presses Xaden to stay and fight for his stability and their future, confronting the risk to their bond and their dragons if he turns venin. Xaden, strained and distant, cites urgent Tyrrendor issues—Melgren’s demand to double Talladium output and unrest after a conscription announcement—and says control may only be prolonging the inevitable. Violet demands he stay or meet her in Aretia, insisting the man she loves fights; Lewellen interrupts, summoning Xaden to discuss mining production.

Xaden tells Violet she must accept that the man she loves no longer fully belongs to himself and walks away. Afterward, Lewellen advises Violet that loving someone in power requires sacrifice and prioritizing Tyrrendor, suggesting their roles may be at odds. Violet rejects becoming a doormat and vows to protect Tyrrendor but not at Xaden’s expense, recognizing that both of them being powerful makes their relationship dangerous. She asks Tairn to alert her if Xaden leaves.

Xaden departs two hours later, flying out of Basgiath, leaving Violet with the fear that he is slipping further from stability as the war closes in on Draithus and Aretia.