The chapter opens with 169 cadet squads having completed their pre-Presentation challenge, of which the protagonist's team placed eleventh. They are anxiously waiting to parade before dragons deciding which cadet to bond with.
The protagonist's friend Liam Mairi excels in the physical challenge, whereas the protagonist is just relieved to have completed it.
As their squad waits for their presentation, the protagonist observes the beauty of the setting and the dragons poised to judge them.
Field Leader Garrick gives them last-minute tips and warnings. He explains that the cadets must walk past the dragons and they should not approach them. The protagonist is reminded that bonding with a dragon is fatal if not fully consensual.
While waiting, the protagonist has a discussion with her friend Rhiannon about familial matters to bring levity to the tense situation.
One of the dragons torches a member of their squad named Pryor. The protagonist manages to handle a face-to-face encounter with two dragons, thanks to her sister's protective dragon-scale armor. The dragons are intrigued but do not threaten her.
The scorned and judgmental attitude of squadmate Luca angers the protagonist, and appears to have drawn the lethal attention of a dragon, costing Luca her life.
By the end of the Presentation, the protagonist's squad is reduced to six members.