Amid heated debate in the Assembly, Violet, Xaden, and Brennan study an updated map showing enemy forces converging on Draithus and civilians fleeing up a narrow pass. Reports indicate hundreds of wyvern and at least a dozen venin are involved, and that Theophanie has demanded Violet and Xaden’s “brother” in exchange for letting Draithus stand. Violet focuses on rescuing Mira, whom Theophanie holds, and on protecting thousands of civilians, recognizing they have at most half an hour to launch for the four-hour flight.

Brennan summons Tavis and Professor Kaori, who projects a 3D model of Draithus and its surrounding intermontane plateau. Garrick confirms current defenses, including multiple dragons and a nightwing drift, but the eastern field is under enemy control and Theophanie dominates the air. Felix and Professor Trissa argue against sending cadets, citing Melgren’s prophecy of defeat; Xaden counters that only volunteers will go, with first-years barred. Second Squad volunteers en masse, with Dain’s approval.

Amid tensions—Cat provoking officers, Sloane nearly fighting before Dain restrains her—Xaden asserts Violet’s place beside him despite Trissa’s objections. Discussion turns to Theophanie’s demand for “your brother,” which Xaden realizes likely refers not to Bodhi but to Jack, hinting at Theophanie’s deeper motives. Brennan clears the room to address strategy with a core group: Violet, Xaden, Brennan, Garrick, Trissa, Kaori, Felix, and likely Bodhi and Dain nearby.

Brennan insists Violet must pick one objective to win, warning that Theophanie has designed a trap tailored to Violet’s compulsion to save everyone and Xaden’s compulsion to save Violet. After weighing defending Draithus, securing the pass, and rescuing Mira, Violet reframes the problem, recognizing Theophanie is truly hunting her. Violet chooses to kill Theophanie as the decisive objective.

Brennan tests the choice’s consequences, asking what happens if “Cadet Sorrengail” is abducted; Xaden answers grimly that Bodhi will make an excellent duke, signaling his acceptance of the risk. With Violet affirming trust in her squad leader to hold a position, Brennan proposes a plan: he will unlock the armory; Trissa will open her cache of runes and maorsite arrowheads; Xaden must trust Violet not to get herself killed; and Violet must accept that she cannot save everyone and must not deviate from orders.

The scene closes with Violet agreeing to the constraints, committing to the plan that prioritizes eliminating Theophanie while volunteers mobilize under strict parameters.