At mid-morning, Violet and the squad approach Deverelli’s white beaches and muted green hills, noting fortified cross-bolts along a stone wall capable of killing dragons. The dragons bank away from the main city as they descend toward Viscount Tecarus’s seaside estate, drawing frightened reactions from locals and glimpses of sea life. They land on the sand before the open-pillared manor, and Violet takes in the setting while Andarna frets about sand between her scales.

Aotrom begins roaring warnings that the riders cannot understand, revealing a deeper issue: once across the sea, most riders have lost bond-communication with their dragons. Violet confirms that only she can still speak to Tairn and Andarna, while others—including Mira with Teine, Ridoc with Aotrom, and Sova with his gryphon—are cut off. The group feels disoriented without magic, and Violet realizes coordination will be far more difficult.

Mira provides experimental rune-tempered quartz from Trissa, handing Violet a sunlight-shielding stone to test whether runes function on the isles. Tecarus arrives in bright finery, announcing he has secured an emergency meeting with a royal chancellor and granting the dragons permission to hunt three leagues south, with strict instructions that humans are off limits. Violet urges Tairn to hunt immediately so the dragons remain strong, and the dragons depart, leaving the humans on the beach under the watch of curious islanders and Tecarus.

Tecarus notes that only aristocracy may address King Courtlyn, and that Halden has an audience that afternoon. The riders request horses for a discreet market excursion, ostensibly to buy books, and agree to keep a low profile. Tecarus directs them to their rooms, and the group prepares to rest before setting out to meet a merchant.

Violet finds Xaden at the water’s edge, uncharacteristically relaxed with their bond still blocked. He encourages Violet to rest, choosing to linger by the shore. He reveals the absence of magic brings him peace—no pull to wield, no temptation—his heartbeat slowed and steady. Violet considers the unsettling appeal of that quiet, even as their mission and risks loom.

The scene closes with an excerpt from Asher Sorrengail’s history of the Krovlan uprising, reflecting on the Midnight Massacre and Deverelli’s cultural creed that “the word is the blood,” hinting at a past betrayal in a broken deal.