Violet and Tairn land amid celebrations as Fourth Wing secures the crystal egg and Dain raises the flag. Reeling, Violet confirms through Tairn—via Deigh—that Liam lives despite a sword wound, while an exhausted Andarna affirms the rescue was worth it. Overwhelmed by guilt for killing Jack, Violet vomits as Tairn shields her with his wings.

Dain approaches, astonished by the lightning and offering comfort, suggesting Violet doesn’t have to use her power. Xaden intervenes, rejecting Dain’s coddling and insisting Violet be treated as a rider whose power can prevent greater deaths. He frames her lightning as a means to defend the kingdom, not senseless violence, then asks Rhiannon to escort Violet and thanks her for saving Liam. Tairn advises Violet to feel her guilt, then let it go.

As Rhiannon walks Violet off the field, she teases about Violet and Xaden’s tension and questions how they moved so fast to catch Liam. Bound by dragon secrecy, Violet deflects, and Andarna flies to rest. Violet grapples with the cost of taking a life and the fear her soul is altered.

Later in her room, Violet throws daggers, questioning what restraint means now that she can kill from afar. Xaden visits, drawn to her despite himself. He admits he cannot train lightning but offers honesty and space to express anger, asserting she still has agency and that not wanting to be a rider doesn’t make her broken.

They confront what killing means, Violet mourning the healer she hoped to be and fearing her destructive core. Xaden counters that power and choice remain hers. Inviting her to vent, he offers himself as a target—but Violet chooses desire over rage and kisses him.