Two days pass without Mira exposing Xaden’s venin status, though she is not speaking to Violet. Political pressure mounts: Navarre edges toward declaring war on Tyrrendor for defying the Senarium, Halden’s forces mass at the Calldyr border, and Xaden halts Talladium shipments until King Tauri confirms their alliance and Basgiath’s riot safety. Violet returns to her squad by day and to Xaden at night; Panchek ignores sleeping arrangements, and Quinn also stays with her partner Jax.

During Professor Trissa’s outdoor runes class, Violet’s grief over Andarna’s departure lingers, and she performs poorly at tempering runes with Tairn’s powerful, unwieldy magic. Squadmates offer varied support; Quinn suggests a more forceful, aggressive method, which helps Violet produce a passable rune. Trissa grudgingly approves that it “will do in a pinch.”

Felix summons Violet for wielding practice, arguing training now is safer than learning in battle. He critiques her discipline during the recent wyvern attack, noting her actions drew danger to civilians because Theophanie hunts Violet. He warns her squad must stop chasing after her and that without the irid firing the wardstone, Aretia would have fallen. Violet reports splitting a bolt in the sky and hitting both targets; Felix orders a demonstration. Over the following days, she trains hard, blistering her hand and exhausting her muscles, but proves she can wield effectively. Brennan repeatedly mends her strained arms and worries about her overexertion and future care at Basgiath.

In the Assembly chamber, Bodhi storms in arguing with Xaden. Xaden refuses Bodhi’s demand to leave school for frontline duty, insisting Bodhi must graduate and learn to take over. Under pressure, Xaden admits he needs Bodhi prepared “to take over,” implying succession. Bodhi angrily rejects being a backup plan, declares Xaden is the duke while Bodhi is the rider, and demands Xaden hold himself together if the family is to keep the ducal seat. He leaves, having made his point in front of Violet and Brennan.

Brennan hands Xaden correspondence and mentions the King of Deverelli referred to Violet as Xaden’s consort. Xaden notes two messages: Melgren’s delayed warning that Xaden should not fly into battle or they will lose, and a letter from Dunne’s high priestess stating that Dunne favors Violet and Rhiannon and owes Xaden a favor. Violet recounts her day of training, then directly asks if Xaden is preparing for his own demise.

Xaden admits he is preparing for that possibility but refuses to give up any day with Violet without a fight. The scene ends with them choosing intimacy in the secured chamber, followed by an official letter from King Tauri threatening dire consequences if Tyrrendor does not immediately restore Talladium shipments.