Two days after Xaden's departure, Violet meets Sawyer on the flight field at dawn to help him practice mounting his dragon Sliseag with his prosthetic leg. Sawyer has designed a retractable metal hook built into his prosthesis to catch on Sliseag's scales, but his previous solo attempt failed. After an initial stumble in the mud, Violet suggests he run as he used to and kick the lever open at the moment his momentum shifts—a technique inspired by how she conquered the Gauntlet with a dagger. On his next attempt, Sawyer's left boot catches and holds, but his right foot keeps slipping. Andarna offers to boost him with her tail—the first positive gesture she's made since her grief—but Sawyer refuses, not wanting Sliseag to feel dishonored by accommodating him. A heated argument between rider and dragon ensues, during which Sliseag reveals he sees lowering his leg for Sawyer the same way Sawyer views sacrificing his own leg to save Sliseag's life. Understanding dawns, and Sliseag extends his leg, allowing Sawyer to walk up and settle into the seat. Violet quietly tells Andarna she is allowed to grieve, and Andarna pointedly notes that neither Violet nor Tairn talk about their own grief either—but her scales shift to her preferred color, suggesting progress.

As the rest of the squad arrives, Ridoc celebrates with exuberant hugs, Rhiannon quietly worries she failed Sawyer, and Violet reassures her that the breakthrough was always between Sawyer and Sliseag alone. The group then launches for Aretia, camping overnight inside the Tyrrish border. They confirm the gryphons can handle the altitude before completing the final leg into the Aretian wards. Landing in the valley feels like coming home, but Sgaeyl's absence confirms Xaden is not there. Andarna snaps at Professor Kaori when he approaches, and Violet tells Kaori plainly that Andarna won't let him study her.

Rhiannon dismisses the squad for the evening, planning a visit to her family's house. Violet hesitates about where to sleep, but Bodhi tells her to use the room she shares with Xaden. Inside, the room is untouched since December—his books, bedding, and his mother's blanket still in place, along with the Blade of Aretia in its glass box on the nightstand. The familiar scents overwhelm Violet with longing. Brennan arrives and pulls her into a hug, then delivers sobering news: he tried every day during Xaden's recent visit to mend him and failed, meaning Xaden's venin transformation has progressed beyond what mending can reverse—further along than Jack Barlowe was when Nolon worked on him. They attempted silent offerings, pushing magic into the earth, and sitting with eggs in the hatching grounds, all without success. However, Brennan mentions that Xaden sent a letter from Lewellen yesterday proposing they try mending the corrupted spot at Basgiath. Violet smiles at the news: Xaden may be broody, but he hasn't given up.