While waiting in the gathering hall for news from Brennan and Mira, Violet, Ridoc, and Rhiannon notice Navarrian riders receiving gossip and quickly emptying the hall, leaving only Aretian riders behind. First-years Baylor and Sloane burst in with urgent news: First Wing cadets have seized a Tail Section flier in the courtyard, and senior wingleader Aura Beinhaven is forcing a challenge at knifepoint. Violet calls on Dain Aetos for help, and the Aretian riders rush to the courtyard to intervene.

In the courtyard, a volatile standoff has formed. Aura holds a dagger to a terrified first-year flier's throat, demanding a champion accept her challenge. Caroline Ashton takes bets among smirking Navarrian riders while Aretian riders and fliers argue at the front of the crowd. Violet physically restrains Cat from accepting the challenge, explaining that if Cat bleeds, the alliance negotiations collapse, and if she harms a rider, it confirms Navarrian fears. Imogen, Quinn, and other third-years square off against Navarrian riders who have drawn weapons. Kai, a first-year flier, tries to volunteer but is pulled back by Rhiannon and Baylor.

Dain pushes through and confronts Aura directly, citing the Codex's requirement for a combat master to oversee challenges. Aura counters by invoking Article Two, Section One, arguing that Dain—as someone who left the quadrant's chain of command—has no authority. She accuses the Aretian riders of desertion, fracturing the quadrant, and bringing the enemy into Navarre's heart. Dain drops his dagger and refuses to fight, attempting to talk her down, but Aura escalates, proposing their strongest against the Navarrians' strongest: if Dain defeats her, the fliers survive until morning; if not, blood will be shed.

Violet realizes Xaden cannot fix this situation—as a non-cadet, he cannot command the quadrant's respect. Aaric, standing beside her, confirms he won't step forward to leverage his royal heritage. When Aura removes her glove to wield fire against the unarmed Dain, Andarna twice reminds Violet that Dain isn't the strongest—Violet is. Violet throws her dagger, pinning Aura's glove to the dais and extinguishing the flame before it reaches Dain. She steps forward, power crackling in her fingertips, and declares that if Aura intends to wield, she'll have to face Violet instead.