The chapter opens with Violet processing Xaden's revelation that he can sense venin. She resolves not to be afraid of him, though he warns her she will be. Garrick meets them at the base of the steps and reminds Violet of her Senarium meeting, also pressing the idea that Xaden should sleep elsewhere. Both Violet and Xaden reject this suggestion firmly. As they walk through the administration building toward the great hall, Violet notes the crowd of aristocrats parting before Xaden, whose reputation as a powerful and controversial figure precedes him.

Violet enters the Senarium alone to face the six provincial nobles and General Melgren. She presents Andarna's list of demands, but Melgren quickly overrides her plans: rather than letting Violet choose her own squad, Captain Grady—her RSC professor—has been assigned to lead the mission to find the seventh dragon breed, with full discretion over squad composition. Violet protests, arguing that Tairn and Sgaeyl cannot be separated, which should guarantee Xaden's inclusion, but Melgren insists it's Grady's call. Violet is forced to concede on squad selection to ensure Andarna's other demands are considered, recognizing that the mission is essential both for Andarna and for any hope of defeating the venin or curing Xaden. She also advocates for Poromish fliers to be admitted to the quadrant but is rebuffed.

After the meeting, Lewellen slips Violet a private missive from Tecarus, the Poromish leader, warning that she has three days to fulfill her end of their bargain. Violet tells her waiting squad that her plan "went to shit," realizing the Tecarus situation now becomes even more critical.

The scene shifts to the next morning. Violet wakes well-rested for the first time in a while, finding Xaden still asleep beside her. When she tries to quietly get out of bed, Xaden pulls her back with shadow and initiates an intense, intimate encounter. As passion escalates, Violet pours her desire through their bond, and power surges through both of them. At the moment of Violet's climax, her power snaps outward—scorching the nightstand—and shadow floods the room. Xaden suddenly stops, gripping the headboard in apparent agony, and asks for space. When Violet examines the headboard, she finds faint marks of discoloration where his thumbs had been, suggesting he may have involuntarily channeled energy—a deeply alarming sign given his venin-adjacent condition.