Three weeks after Felix's arrival, Violet is exhausted from relentless signet training under Felix and physical conditioning with Imogen. Her aim and power have improved, but the broader situation has deteriorated: the western defensive line is retreating toward Draithus, and Xaden has been called away to Tyrrendor for over ten days. Andarna remains absent and uncommunicative. The squad discusses their upcoming rotation to Aretia, scheduled for two days later, with Felix, Kaori, and Panchek as leadership—but not Xaden.

As the squad enters the main campus, they stumble into a heated confrontation. The Duke of Calldyr, Prince Halden, and Lewellen (serving as proxy for Xaden's Senarium seat) are arguing with Xaden about his decision to open Tyrrendor's borders to Poromish civilians fleeing the venin advance on Draithus. Xaden announces that Draithus has only weeks before attack and that Tyrrendor will accept any civilians willing to cross the Medaro Pass—potentially thirty thousand people. Halden threatens to march troops into Tyrrendor, but Xaden coldly counters that doing so would make Aaric first in line for the throne. Aaric publicly sides with Xaden, noting he is under Xaden's chain of command as an Aretian rider. Halden storms off after issuing a warning.

Immediately after the confrontation, Lynx unexpectedly manifests shadow wielding, shocking everyone. Xaden calmly coaches Lynx through controlling the new signet, then orders Rhiannon to take him to Carr. Violet is stunned—Xaden was their generation's shadow wielder, and Lynx's manifestation implies the magic is transferring because Xaden is no longer fully human. Xaden confirms grimly: "Magic knows. He's the balance."

Xaden tells Violet he's resigning his professorship and leaving for Lewellen, where mining production and civil unrest demand attention. Violet desperately pleads with him to stay and fight, invoking what his turning would mean for her, for Tairn and Sgaeyl, and for their bond. Xaden, emotionally withdrawn, tells her the man she loves no longer fully belongs to himself and walks into the great hall. Lewellen then speaks privately with Violet, explaining the sacrifices demanded of those who love someone in power, suggesting she may need to subordinate her personal needs to Tyrrendor's requirements. Violet firmly refuses to become a "doormat" and insists Xaden comes first for her. Two hours later, Tairn informs her that Xaden has flown out.