Amid a courtyard confrontation, Aura Beinhaven prepares to wield fire against Dain Aetos, prompting Violet Sorrengail to unleash a warning burst of lightning and threaten lethal force if Aura attacks again. Violet addresses the gathered riders, arguing that Navarre must trust Aretia and the Poromish fliers, acknowledging past failures and urging their generation to begin the alliance or face extinction. The crowd hesitates until Professors Devera, Emetterio, and Kaori arrive; Devera endorses Violet’s stance, and Emetterio notes that the last pairing of a shadow and lightning wielder once drove the venin into the Barrens. Weapons lower, and Devera orders all cadets to Battle Brief in the morning, treaty or not.

As the cadets disperse, Violet, Xaden Riorson, Brennan Sorrengail, Mira Sorrengail, and Duke Lewellen regroup inside a sparring gym with Aaric (incognito prince). Brennan confirms negotiations were strained, complicated further by Halden Sorrengail’s arrival with Western Guard troops. Aaric deduces that Halden is being sent with Violet on her mission, which Brennan tacitly confirms, alarming Violet.

Lewellen updates them on Andarna’s list of demands: the search for the seventh breed remains with Captain Grady; Aretian riders will receive full pardons in the accord to be signed in the morning; Andarna will not be examined and has hunting access to the king’s forest. However, efforts to protect Poromish fliers at Basgiath fail—the Senarium votes six to one against altering wards or runes—undermining the alliance. Brennan declares the Poromiel treaty has failed for now due to time constraints and safety concerns, though Aretian fliers will be safe in Aretia while wards hold.

After Aaric departs, Lewellen congratulates Xaden on a separate “win,” and the senior riders leave. In private, Xaden explains that, to keep the riot at Basgiath, the Senarium restored his title and authority—granting him the dukedom of Tyrrendor and a seat in the Senarium. Xaden confesses he did not ask for this and fears his unstable channeling and perceived slide toward venin-like corruption make him unfit.

Haunted by the morning’s involuntary channeling, Xaden asks Violet to promise she will “sound the alarm” and protect others if he ever goes too far. Garrick interrupts with orders, forcing Xaden to depart immediately; Violet promises, and they exchange brief declarations of love. Xaden vows to return by morning to sign the accord as Duke of Tyrrendor, while Violet decides she must personally move to rescue the alliance that night, accepting potential treason as the cost.

A closing excerpt from Lyra of Morraine’s journal praises a haven where all who channel—dragon and gryphon—can flourish under wards, asserting willingness to face trial to defend such principles, now realized in Aretia.