At Basgiath War College on Conscription Day, Violet Sorrengail climbs to General Sorrengail’s office, where her sister Mira argues that sending Violet to the Riders Quadrant is a death sentence. The general refuses to relent, citing Violet’s test scores and Sorrengail expectations. Tension spikes at mention of their fallen brother, Brennan, and the general’s storm signet briefly chills the room before she dismisses Mira and reminds Violet she will get no special treatment.

In Violet’s room, Mira finds everything boxed and swiftly reequips her: fitted rider blacks, rubber-soled boots, and a corset reinforced with Teine’s scales. She delivers survival rules—observe, keep weapons on you, alliances over friendships, and that cadets can kill outside of sleep—and braids Violet’s hair to reduce risk. Mira warns Violet to stay away from third-year wingleader Xaden Riorson, son of the executed rebel leader, and urges her to find Dain Aetos after crossing. In the courtyard, Violet signs the riders’ roll; Captain Fitzgibbons laments her lost scribe path as they note candidates bearing rebellion relics.

Violet enters the turret and climbs with two first-years, Rhiannon Matthias and Dylan. They trade hopes and fears; Dylan displays a ring he’ll use after graduation. Seeing rain clouds, Violet swaps her left rider boot with Rhiannon’s smooth-soled shoe to improve Rhiannon’s grip. Shoved onto the platform by a taunting candidate, Violet faces the gaping parapet and its fatal drop.

At the entrance, three riders manage departures. Violet locks eyes with Xaden Riorson, who recognizes her as the general’s daughter; Violet counters that his father killed her brother. Their hostility simmers as rain opens into a deluge. Mid-crossing, Dylan slips, briefly hangs on, then falls to his death. Xaden, coldly confident, tells Violet the parapet will finish her and gestures for her turn, leaving Violet to face the crossing under storm conditions.