Two weeks after the battle at Basgiath and General Sorrengail's death, Violet flies a January patrol through a brutal snowstorm with Tairn, while Andarna remains in the Vale. Andarna protests being excluded from patrols, but Tairn insists the weather and threat of dark wielders make it too dangerous. Violet struggles with grief over her mother's death, pushing it aside to focus on the mission. During the patrol, Ridoc's dragon Aotrom nearly collides with Tairn after cutting off communication with his riot during an argument with Ridoc. Tairn aggressively reprimands the smaller dragon, and the patrol ends with no enemy sightings—three days running without contact.

After landing, Violet reflects on the fractured state of Navarrian and Aretian riders, whose unity collapsed shortly after the battle. She reports to wingleaders Aura Beinhaven and Ewan Faber, both openly hostile toward the Aretian riders they view as deserters. Violet's mental bond with Xaden remains dimmed because he has deliberately blocked the connection, not trusting himself or what he might become. Tairn makes his position clear: he will support Violet and Andarna's quest to find a cure, including preparations for longer flights carrying Andarna, but he has no faith in Xaden and believes his soul is no longer his own.

Imogen intercepts Violet after patrol, relaying that Garrick, Bodhi, and she think Violet should stop sleeping near Xaden. Violet flatly refuses, insisting he has never hurt her. They discuss their covert plan, which involves Violet's sister Mira developing a strategy that could be considered treason if discovered. Violet has told her squad about Mira's involvement but has kept Xaden's venin corruption secret. Xaden himself has asked not to know the details, fearing he could be an unintentional leak.

Violet visits Sawyer in the Healer Quadrant infirmary, where her squad has gathered around his bed. Sawyer has lost his lower leg in the battle and has received a visit from the commander of retired riders, hinting at forced retirement. The squad discusses the upcoming mission to find Andarna's kind—the seventh breed of dragon—and debates who should go. Violet mentions she has a list of trusted people she's been drafting.

The chapter ends with a sudden scream echoing through the infirmary. A cadet in infantry blue stumbles in, declaring people are dead—and bearing a gray handprint on his neck, the mark of venin. Violet realizes with horror that the venin they haven't found on patrol are already inside the wards of Basgiath.