Violet Sorrengail flies patrol in a brutal January snowstorm near Basgiath, communicating via her bonds with Tairn and Andarna. She braces for an afternoon summons to the Senarium amid tense, ongoing peace talks with Poromiel. During the whiteout, Aotrom and Ridoc nearly collide with Tairn, prompting Tairn to assert dominance over the younger dragon, and Violet notes the continued, self-imposed dimming of her bond to Xaden while she worries about his condition and control.

They land at the flight field where Tairn remains openly hostile to Xaden and skeptical of any cure, though he affirms unwavering support for Violet and Andarna’s coming mission to search for Andarna’s kind. Violet rejoins Rhiannon, Ridoc, and Quinn; their patrols have been quiet, burn pits are cold, and visibility is poor. The group notes worsening friction between Aretian and Navarrian riders as Aura Beinhaven and Ewan Faber insult them as deserters despite their role in saving Basgiath.

Inside the rotunda, Imogen intercepts Violet with news from Xaden duty, and the friends confirm Mira is due back tomorrow to help with their covert plans. Imogen admits Garrick and Bodhi want Violet to change sleeping arrangements for safety around Xaden, which Violet refuses. Violet also keeps details of their broader plan from most, honoring Xaden’s wish to avoid knowledge that could make him a leak.

Crossing to the Healer Quadrant, Violet and Imogen discuss selecting a leader for the mission to find Andarna’s kind, with Violet insisting she is not leading, only choosing leadership for that mission. Imogen departs, and Violet enters the infirmary crowded with wounded, where she joins the rest of her squad—Rhiannon, Ridoc, Quinn, Cat, and Maren—around Sawyer’s bed. Sawyer, now missing part of a leg, talks about the likelihood of the squad working best together and mentions a visit from Colonel Chandlyr of the retired riders, hinting at his uncertain future.

Before Sawyer can elaborate, a shriek of terror cuts through the infirmary. A cadet in infantry blue collapses inside, sobbing that “they’re all dead,” with a gray venin handprint on his neck. Violet and the others realize that the elusive venin have not fled or been killed; instead, the enemy has infiltrated inside the wards, turning a quiet morning into a sudden internal threat.