The chapter opens with Violet and Xaden's sparring match continuing from the previous session. Xaden fills the arena with impenetrable darkness, forcing Violet to rely on alternative means to locate him. She initially uses her conduit to create a lightning-powered light source, but Xaden urges her to track him through their bond instead. She cuts off her power flow to concentrate on the connection, and Xaden teaches her that his strongest shadow threads are always his own—knowledge she must learn to distinguish for both their sakes. They share an intimate kiss in the darkness before Xaden orders her to strike. Violet aims her lightning upward through the open amphitheater, stunning the watching cadets. Xaden abruptly ends class, and when Violet demands to know why she alone must learn to find and potentially kill him, he answers plainly: because she is the only one capable of killing him.

The following afternoon, Violet, Ridoc, Rhiannon, and Sawyer gather at the Six Talons pub in Chantara during a Saturday outing. Sawyer genuinely laughs for the first time in a while, giving Violet a moment of relief. Cat, Maren, and Trager join after returning from temple worship. The group discusses Xaden's terrifying power, with Cat acknowledging he wasn't always this strong. Violet explains that signets grow over time and reaffirms she has never been scared of Xaden because he would never hurt her. Rhiannon raises concerns about Lynx and Aaric not yet manifesting their signets, noting the danger of magical buildup. The group also discusses temple preferences and regional religious culture, touching on personal losses and family connections—including Maren's brothers being taken in by Rhiannon's family in Aretia.

Dain approaches Violet and asks to speak privately. In the hallway, he reveals he has scouted his father General Aetos's quarters and determined there is no way to sneak others inside without detection. He proposes retrieving the hidden research himself, alone, the following night while his father is away. Violet wrestles with the risk—Dain could easily hand the research back to his father and restore their relationship—but ultimately decides to trust him. She tells him about a secret compartment under her father's desk in the study, accessible via a latch in the center drawer of her mother's desk. Dain promises to deliver it by Monday morning.

The chapter closes with a recovered letter from Violet's late father, Lieutenant Colonel Asher Sorrengail, expressing regret that he could only prepare Violet with half the knowledge she needs. He confesses to failing Brennan and Mira, fears his death will fail Violet too, and warns her to trust no one—a sentiment he shared with Violet's mother.