After Battle Brief announces curriculum changes and a new Signet Sparring class led by Xaden, Violet avoids facing him and hurries to find Dain. She asks Dain to help her retrieve hidden research her father left in the former commanding general’s quarters, which are warded to the Aetos bloodline; she fears General Aetos or Markham would withhold or redact it. Dain, estranged from his father, agrees to help, though he notes Violet would be better off asking Aetos directly.

In Professor Kaori’s office, Xaden pulls Violet aside. He argues that his professorship changes nothing between them and claims Kaori believes an exemption to the Code of Conduct is possible. He admits that during the recent battle he drew on the source without remembering, and that Sgaeyl’s intervention snapped him out of it. Violet insists keeping him within the wards is critical to prevent further loss of control.

General Aetos interrupts and preemptively denies any exemption request, declaring he will use the Code of Conduct to remove Xaden if violated. Xaden insults Aetos, but Aetos orders Violet to class. As Violet leaves, she tells Aetos she, not Xaden, killed Varrish. Dain then walks her away, sharing that he also considers himself responsible for Varrish’s death and commits to helping retrieve her father’s research in Calldyr the following weekend.

Days later, Violet attends a closed planning meeting for the six-month task force to find the seventh dragon breed. The group includes Captain Grady, several lieutenants, Captain Anna Winshire (infantry liaison), Aura Beinhaven, and Jesinia as recorder. Violet is frustrated by the ad hoc selection and lack of Aretian riders or shield wielders. Xaden arrives uninvited, asserting that Tairn will not fly without Sgaeyl, and Grady accepts his addition.

Introductions reveal signet distributions but no shields yet; Grady says he has asked for a specific shield wielder. Xaden suggests Mira Sorrengail, citing her proven experience beyond the wards and his authority over Tyrrendor under the Second Aretia Accord. Tension rises between Grady and Xaden, with Xaden’s demeanor briefly turning cold before he relents.

Grady outlines a plan to choose search areas within easy flight and to report frequently to the Senarium. He favors starting along the northward coastline for access to magic and because the Emerald Sea is unexplored. Captain Henson challenges the safety of deep waters, then asks Violet for input. Violet argues the team should also investigate the southern isles, especially Deverelli, citing archival hints that an isle kingdom aided the second Krovlan uprising and that her father’s research—hidden in Aetos’s quarters—may be relevant. She tells Xaden that Dain has agreed to help retrieve it.

The room devolves into argument. Grady rejects the southern option as too costly and decrees a northern start within the next month. After adjournment, Aura remains to chaperone Violet, stating that Aetos has ordered strict enforcement of the Code of Conduct across the chain of command. Violet and Xaden part with promises to find time, prioritizing his safety within the wards despite surveillance.