At formation in the snow, Captain Fitzgibbons reads an extended death roll naming all service members killed the day before, including Ruford Sharna of Third Wing, whose death was accidental during maneuvers. The moment reinforces that the enemy outside Basgiath remains lethal despite an internal moratorium on cadet violence.

Sloane intercepts Violet and brings her to the Riders’ quadrant library, confessing she felt Lilith’s power and chose not to resist because she wanted to live. Violet relieves her guilt, stressing the choice and sacrifice were Lilith’s. Sloane, who has Archives duty, delivers a heavy black canvas bag from Jesinia: two tomes chosen by Jesinia and one forwarded from leadership. Violet recognizes Dain’s likely help. Sloane mentions rumors of a northern search; Violet’s intuition favors south, though Tairn tolerates cold and browns prefer it.

In her room, Violet unwraps a thick, leather-bound book secured by a six-letter lock surrounded by ink vials that will destroy the contents if the answer is wrong, plus a rune warding against magical tampering. The clue on a scrap from Asher reads, “First love is irreplaceable,” confounding Violet.

Days later, descending to the arena with friends, Violet and squad debate the password candidates (Lilith, Brennan, Mira, Violet, and others), rejecting obvious answers. On the mat, Xaden and Garrick co-lead sparring; Xaden and Violet trade sexually charged barbs that push the Code of Conduct line but keep to innuendo. Garrick demonstrates wind against individual challengers.

Second Squad decides to fight as a unit. Ridoc’s ice wall and Garrick’s wind nearly send lethal shrapnel at Violet and Rhiannon, enraging Xaden, but Violet steadies the team. With Cat’s mindwork confusing Garrick, Violet uses the conduit to channel a controlled lightning strike, deliberately missing Garrick to melt and ruin his dagger hilt behind him. She argues that exposing herself is acceptable if it protects her squad; Xaden openly declares, “I fucking love you.”

Applause from the steps announces Crown Prince Halden, flanked by two guards including Captain Anna Winshire. Violet silently urges Xaden to hide Aaric. Halden joins Violet at the arena’s edge, affecting charm and needling conversation. He hands Violet a missive from Viscount Tecarus: in exchange for acquiring the Amelian Citrine from its display in Anca, King Courtlyn of Deverelli will grant Violet a single nobles-only audience. Halden offers to order Grady to change course if Violet agrees, claiming title trumps rank.

Violet rebuffs Halden’s personal overtures and confirms her love for Xaden while noting they are abiding by the Code. Halden apologizes for past infidelity and seeks a private dinner during the mission. When Halden reaches toward Violet’s hair, shadows spear through the wards and ram him into the rock wall, sending the crown prince sprawling—an explosive reaction that immediately escalates tensions.