Violet and Tairn descend rapidly into the Stonewater River valley ahead of the rest of their group, ignoring Maise’s recall order. As they near the burning village, Violet spotlights fleeing civilians along the southern bank, and Tairn relays for Feirge, the gryphons, and Andarna to prioritize that extraction.

Wyvern burst from the smoke. Violet channels heavily from Tairn and kills one with lightning; Tairn cripples another with his tail, and Violet decapitates a third. Recognizing that a creator must be present, Violet sees a silver-haired dark wielder in the village center—someone she recognizes from Jack’s cell—who appears to have anticipated their arrival.

Two wyvern drop from the storm above. Tairn executes violent aerial maneuvers, killing one; a brown Scorpiontail dragon intervenes to finish the other. As Violet realizes the dragon is Chradh, a tornado engulfs Tairn, flinging him into a mountainside. The impact knocks Tairn unconscious and leaves Violet dangling from her saddle; she loses the bond’s connection momentarily and panics until Tairn resumes breathing. Violet’s right kneecap is dislocated.

Garrick arrives on foot, confirms Chradh is with him, and helps Violet reduce and wrap her knee. They position themselves between the downed dragons while Feirge, Aotrom, and the gryphons approach the village to find Maren’s family. Garrick reveals Xaden lost control when he learned Violet had crossed the border, prompting Garrick and Chradh to rush after her, though he evades explaining how they arrived so quickly.

A lightning strike lands nearby that Violet did not cast. The silver-haired venin approaches, revealing she caused it, implying she can wield lightning. Introducing herself as Theophanie, she ignores Tairn, taunts Violet for being lured from the wards, and admits she killed Maren’s parents after they raised weapons, leaving the sons alive. She lifts Garrick into the air with a gesture, threatening him as leverage, and hints she knows about Xaden and Violet’s bond dynamic, calling Violet a “leash.”

Seeking a “civil” start, Theophanie offers to free Garrick if Violet answers a question. After posturing about Violet’s unprecedented dual bond to Tairn and Andarna, Theophanie releases Garrick and asks which dragon chose Violet first—the storm-gifted one (Tairn) or the irid (Andarna)—clearly seeking insight into Violet’s power and bonds as the confrontation hangs unresolved.