Violet studies a book from King Tecarus and struggles with a delayed-activation rune that her squadmates have mastered. As a storm rages, she imbues conduits for Felix’s assignments and reflects on intensifying training and the deteriorating wards. A late-night knock reveals Xaden, soaked from flight, who tells Violet to send him away if necessary, but she invites him in.

Xaden admits he left Lewellen enraged after dealing with Duke Calldyr and Prince Halden, but maintained control and did not draw on power beyond the wards, fearing a reset to “day zero.” He shares a private metric: he aims for seventy-six days without draining—twice Barlowe’s longest stretch after his first major channeling—believing that milestone would indicate he can stall his progression.

Violet responds with pride and hope, teasing that he flew nine hours the wrong direction to come home, and Xaden agrees their Aretia house is their home. He states he is not ignoring his fate but will fight for their future. He proposes that under the right circumstances, he can keep control with her.

They define boundaries and safeguards: Violet agrees to give Xaden control during intimacy, he refuses serum unless absolutely necessary, and they place onyx daggers within reach as a last resort. Xaden also insists Violet not use her conduit so she remains at full power and capable of defending herself.

Through candid admissions, Xaden confesses that Violet is his peace and that maintaining distance has been an act of discipline. Violet asserts her autonomy, choosing the risks and reiterating she can defend herself even against him. She corrects his “your door” to “our door,” and they mutually decide on no more waiting before day seventy-six.

The scene closes with their shared commitment: Violet chooses all parts of Xaden—good, bad, and unforgivable—and Xaden agrees to proceed carefully, prioritizing her safety while ending their separation.