In the privacy of their guest suite, Violet and Xaden give in to six weeks of pent-up desire. With no magic in Deverelli, Xaden explains he can safely be with Violet without risking loss of control. They move from the bathroom to a small breakfast table near the window, where Xaden confirms he has already ensured their privacy.

Their encounter escalated as Xaden pleasured Violet, then they had sex, both admitting how much they missed not only the physical connection but also the mental bond normally provided by magic. The table breaks under them, and they finish on the floor. Afterward, they share a quiet, vulnerable moment; Violet suggests taking Tecarus’s offer to stay in Deverelli so Xaden’s turning might halt while she searches for a cure.

Xaden declines, revealing that Sgaeyl, and likely all the dragons, are in pain away from magic and cannot thrive here. He also refuses to let Violet abandon their responsibilities and loved ones. Their intimacy and discussion are interrupted by a knock at the door, and they hurriedly cover themselves as their team gathers in the hallway.

Ridoc jokes about the broken furniture, Mira scolds from the hallway, and Dain delivers urgent news: a messenger has arrived stating King Courtlyn has decided to keep Prince Halden at court. Tecarus needs someone admitted to court and only Xaden, as an aristocrat, can be granted access. Though frustrated, Xaden agrees to go immediately, ending their brief reprieve.

The chapter closes with an excerpt from Captain Dominic Prishel’s study, reporting that an asim subject removed from source magic initially appeared even-tempered but rapidly destabilized, leading to death by fire and later death by poison in subsequent stages.