Violet unleashes lightning into the sky, demonstrating her power and forcing Aura Beinhaven to back down. She addresses the assembled Navarrian riders, arguing that the Aretians saved them by stealing and translating hidden knowledge, and that the alliance is essential for survival. She urges both sides to trust each other and fight their common enemy rather than each other. Caroline and Aura challenge her claims, but Violet insists they can protect both Navarre and Poromiel simultaneously.

Professors Devera, Emetterio, and Kaori arrive and defuse the standoff. Emetterio reveals that a shadow wielder and lightning wielder haven't fought side by side since the Great War, shocking Violet with the realization that she and Xaden are the first such pair in centuries. The professors dismiss the cadets and announce that Battle Brief will resume the next morning regardless of the treaty outcome. Cat offers Violet a grudging compliment, and Dain thanks Violet for stepping in to save him from Aura.

Violet joins Xaden, Brennan, Mira, Lewellen, and Aaric in the sparring gym for a private briefing. Brennan reveals that Violet's upcoming mission was discussed at the negotiating table and that Crown Prince Halden—Aaric's older brother—will be joining the team, which horrifies Violet. Aaric deduces from context that the mission must be headed to the isle kingdoms or northward, since Poromiel wouldn't require a royal envoy. Lewellen pressures Aaric to reveal his identity as a prince, but Aaric refuses.

Lewellen reports on Andarna's demands: pardons for Aretian riders have been secured, Andarna won't be examined, and she gets hunting rights. However, the Senarium voted six to one against Mira's proposal to protect flier cadets within Navarre's wards, and the broader alliance with Poromiel has collapsed because the treaty couldn't be finalized before the queen's two-day deadline. Violet privately resolves to pursue "Plan B: treason"—presumably using Mira's rune-nullification work to protect fliers herself.

After the others leave, Xaden reveals that the king has restored his title and granted him the duchy of Tyrrendor and a seat in the Senarium—a concession Lewellen and Lindell extracted as the price of keeping the riot at Basgiath. Far from pleased, Xaden is anguished, fearing he is losing himself to the venin corruption. He makes Violet promise to sound the alarm if he ever goes too far and to keep Tyrrendor safe, even from him. Xaden departs on urgent orders with Garrick, leaving Violet determined to save the alliance that very night, even if it makes her a traitor by morning.