The group arrives at the isle of Deverelli, approaching over breathtaking turquoise waters and white beaches. Violet observes a city hidden in the hills and notes dragon-killer cross-bolts mounted on the walls, indicating the supposedly peaceful isle is prepared for war. They land on the beach in front of Tecarus's sprawling manor, where a Deverelli servant flees in terror at the sight of the dragons. Andarna heads for the water while Tairn keeps watch over everyone.

It quickly becomes apparent that all other riders and fliers have lost their bonds with their dragons and gryphons. Ridoc cannot understand Aotrom's roars, Cat is distraught beside Kira, and Mira confirms she lost her connection to Teine as soon as they left the Continent. Violet realizes she is the only one who can still communicate with her dragons—Tairn and Andarna—though she doesn't know if this is because she's bonded to two or because of Andarna's unique nature. Mira gives Violet a rune-inscribed lilac quartz from Trissa, meant to shield her from sunlight, as a test to see whether runes function outside the Continent's magic.

Tecarus greets them enthusiastically and announces that Prince Halden has an audience with King Courtlyn that afternoon. He directs the dragons to hunt in valleys three leagues south. Tairn and the other dragons depart to feed, leaving the humans alone on the beach. Violet asks Dain and Ridoc to help her visit the local market for books, and Tecarus agrees as long as they keep a low profile.

Violet finds Xaden standing at the water's edge, and is startled to see him completely relaxed—more at peace than he's been in weeks. He explains that without magic, there is no lure of power, no temptation to reach for the dark force that has been taunting him. His heartbeat is slower, calmer. For the first time since retrieving the luminary, Violet seriously considers Tecarus's earlier offer—implying a possible deal that could change their situation. The chapter closes with an excerpt about the Midnight Massacre of 433 AU, in which Krovlan rebels were betrayed and killed by Poromish forces after foreign troops mysteriously disappeared, hinting at broken deals and the Deverelli principle that a spoken agreement is sacred law.