The group flies northwest at dawn, with Aotrom carrying Trager’s body and Tairn carrying Silaraine. They leave known routes for deep ocean, risking the gryphons’ range if they are off-course. Near midnight, Tairn spots a tiny isle with a hollow-tipped peak. The party confirms it is uninhabited and lands on a northern black-sand beach where the ambient magic feels stronger than on Zehyllna.

They gather water and wood and build a pyre midway between the tide line and jungle. Aotrom ignites the pyre, and Drake offers final words for Silaraine and Trager Karis, commending their souls to Malek. The group keeps watch through the night as the fire dies down by morning.

At daybreak, Drake argues they are off course based on the map, while Mira unexpectedly takes his kitten, which Drake has named Broccoli. Observations from Aaric and Molvic, plus Tairn’s aerial survey, indicate they are at the southern tip of an uncharted volcanic island chain, with many more isles than the map shows. Violet concludes the map is incomplete and decides to search as many islands as possible that day.

Violet assigns five scout teams, pairing riders by stamina and keeping the fatigued gryphons to closer ranges. She deliberately separates Tairn and Sgaeyl to maximize long-range contact for the group. Xaden resists but accepts; Violet also arranges for Garrick to accompany Xaden because nearby magic tempts Xaden to channel, and Garrick carries serum. Xaden and Violet reaffirm their bond before the teams launch, and Tairn grumbles about the mates’ separation.

Violet and Ridoc remain behind to ensure the offering fire fully burns out and to let Andarna sleep. Ridoc and Aotrom continue their prank rivalry, leaving Ridoc soaked and changing clothes, while Violet rests against Andarna’s scales and avoids the water due to her injuries.

Suddenly, the ground shudders repeatedly. Fresh dragon tracks appear in the sand, though neither Tairn nor Aotrom is present. Sulfur scents the air, the beach furrows as if massive talons flex beneath it, and a sky-blue-scaled dragon materializes before Violet and a waking Andarna, with five more equally massive dragons revealing themselves along the beach. As Violet braces and calls for Tairn, the lead dragon lowers its head and projects a piercing tone that becomes a telepathic greeting: “Hello, human.” Violet realizes the irids have found them.